PWD Minister E.V. Velu and Tourism Minister R. Rajendran interacting with farmers and the public at Suramangalam Uzhavar Sandhai in Salem in Tamil Nadu on Monday, 23 December 2024.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Public Works Department Minister E.V. Velu and Minister for Tourism R. Rajendran inspected the Suramangalam Uzhavar Sandhai and distributed welfare assistance on Monday.
The Sandhai, inaugurated by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 1999, is celebrating its 25th year (silver jubilee). To mark the occasion, the two ministers inspected the market on Monday and interacted with the farmers and public at the market. The ministers distributed welfare assistance worth ₹19.25 lakh at the market and also inaugurated a cloth bag vending machine.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Velu stated that since the DMK took power, a separate budget has been introduced for agriculture. Over the past three years, several schemes have been implemented to support the welfare of farmers. The budget allocation for agriculture was ₹32,775.78 crore in 2021-22, ₹33,007.68 crore in 2022-23, and ₹38,904.46 crore in 2023-24. Each year, the funds allocated for agriculture have been consistently increased. The State Government has also allocated ₹27.50 crore towards the renovation of 100 Uzhavar Sandhais.
“Currently, there are 13 Uzhavar Sandhais in the Salem district. In terms of vegetable and fruit sales, the Suramangalam Uzhavar Sandhai ranks fourth in the state. So far, 620 farmers have received identity cards to sell their products at this market. On a daily basis, between 170 and 200 farmers are selling vegetables, with sales averaging between 45 and 55 metric tonnes each day. Additionally, the market serves between 8,000 and 12,000 consumers daily,” said Mr. Velu.
In response to PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss’s allegations that the state government has done nothing for farmers, Minister Velu stated that the DMK’s alliance partners are praising the government’s efforts. The minister said the PMK’s comments were politically motivated and people with a conscience should not do so.
Published – December 23, 2024 06:41 pm IST