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**Summary:**

The Tamil Nadu MSME Department will recommend the formation of a coordination committee for the plantation sector to the state government. This was announced at the Planters Association of Tamil Nadu (PAT) annual meeting in Coimbatore. The plantation sector faces challenges including volatile markets, climate change, and a lack of administrative coordination within the government. Speakers at the meeting emphasized the need for a dedicated plantation policy, upskilling of workers, and improved market analysis. The PAT re-elected its chairman and vice-chairman for the upcoming year.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu Govt. Mulls Plantation Sector Coordination Committee**

**COIMBATORE, October 4, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government is considering establishing a dedicated coordination committee for its plantation sector, following a recommendation from the MSME Department. This announcement was made by Additional Chief Secretary of the MSME Department, Atul Anand, at the annual meeting of the Planters Association of Tamil Nadu (PAT) held in Coimbatore on Saturday.

The move comes in response to longstanding concerns raised by planters regarding administrative hurdles and a lack of unified government oversight. Currently, the plantation sector operates without a specific administrative body, leading to coordination challenges across various government departments. PAT Chairman Vinodhan Kandiah highlighted that Kerala has a plantation directorate under the Industries Department and Tamil Nadu should have a similar agency.

Ajoy Thipaiah, President of the United Planters Association of Southern India, stressed the significant impact of volatile markets and climate change on the sector. A key demand from the industry is a comprehensive plantation policy to address these multifaceted challenges. Speakers also emphasized the necessity of upskilling plantation workers to facilitate the adoption of new technologies.

K.R. Nagarajan, founder chairman of Ramraj Cotton, underscored the importance of workers as a planter’s main asset. In addition, Mr. Anand urged the planters to study the market and take up marketing accordingly.

During the annual meeting, Vinodhan Kandiah and Sandeep Singh Sidhu were re-elected as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of PAT for the 2025-2026 term respectively. The formal request for the coordination committee will be submitted to the Tamil Nadu government by the sector.

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