The uncertainty over the flow in the Cauvery, vagaries of nature, labour shortage, rising input costs and poor returns for their produce have rendered farmers in the delta region increasingly vulnerable.
Resentment and scepticism run deep among farmers of the region as promises held out by political parties in successive elections have failed to resolve most of their livelihood concerns. This election seems to be no different as some of the core issues concerning farmers get drowned in the cacophony of competitive politics, feel a cross-section of farmers in the delta region.
“There is severe discontent among farmers as both the Centre and State governments have failed them. They have lost faith in political parties and their promises and this is very much palpable in villages,” says P.R. Pandian, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam, which has fielded its candidate as an Independent in Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency.
