Fri Feb 21 16:15:29 UTC 2025: ## Theni Farmers Plead for Aid Amid Crop Damage and Infrastructure Issues

**Theni, Tamil Nadu, February 21, 2025** – Farmers in Theni district voiced numerous concerns at a grievance redressal meeting on Friday, highlighting crop damage caused by wild boars and elephants, inadequate infrastructure, and land encroachment.

Collector Ranjeet Singh presided over the meeting, promising responses within 15 days to the farmers’ petitions. Key issues raised included:

* **Wild Boar Damage:** Welcoming the government’s order to cull wild boars, farmers urged assistance in obtaining forest department approval to raise milch animals on designated forest land, as per a High Court directive.
* **Elephant Damage:** Farmers reported significant damage to coconut trees by elephants, requesting intervention to prevent further losses.
* **Infrastructure Deficiencies:** Farmers demanded road construction connecting Combai to Thevaram to facilitate transportation of produce, and the repair of the road from Koraioothu to Vellimalai.
* **Land Encroachment:** Concerns were raised about encroachment on water bodies, prompting a call for a meeting with relevant officials.
* **Private Windmill:** A farmer alleged encroachment by a private windmill, seeking its removal.
* **Sugarcane Prices:** Farmers called for an increase in the minimum support price for sugarcane.
* **Solar Fencing:** Complaints were filed regarding unpaid solar fencing installations.
* **Leopard Sighting:** A farmer reported leopard sightings, prompting reassurance of action from forest officials.

A farmer highlighted his significant investment in palm seed cultivation, emphasizing the scale of agricultural activity in the region. District Forest Officer Samartha, Srivilliputtur Megamalai Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Anand, and Joint Director of Agriculture Shantamani were among the officials present. The Collector appealed to officials for swift action on the numerous issues raised.

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