Concerned about crop loss, they approached the agriculture minister with support from environmental activist CR Neelakandan.
Published Aug 06, 2025 | 8:08 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 06, 2025 | 8:08 AM
A paddy field. (iStock)
Following a complaint submitted by Pokkali rice farmers of Maruvakkad Padashekaram, the Pokkali Land Development Agency (PLDA) has directed the local committee to urgently drain saline water from the fields to enable paddy sowing.
The district collector, who also chairs the PLDA, instructed that the faulty motor used for draining be repaired without delay. Though the committee earlier cited a lack of funds, the PLDA has now sanctioned financial support in a single instalment and authorised the hiring of a daily-wage worker for a maximum of two weeks to carry out the task.
A report from the principal agriculture officer noted that no water removal had occurred in the affected fields and highlighted a lack of cooperation from the Padashekaram committee despite repeated directives.
Farmers expressed frustration over the agriculture department’s inaction even after they had informed officials about halted pumping operations in mid-July. Concerned about crop loss, they approached the agriculture minister with support from environmental activist CR Neelakandan.
This intervention led to the minister instructing officials to take immediate steps to protect the sowing process and prevent seed damage.
