Mon Jan 19 15:08:53 UTC 2026: # Farmers Protest in Krishnagiri Demanding Land Rights and Loan Waivers

The Story:

On January 19, 2026, members of the Tamizhaga Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasaigal Sangam (Tamil Nadu Rivers Linking Farmers Association) staged a protest demonstration in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The farmers are demanding “pattas” (title deeds) for traditional use lands within forest areas, recognition of traditional farming rights for forest dwellers, and a complete write-off of farm loans by both the State and Union governments. The protest highlights the ongoing struggles of farmers in the region concerning land ownership, financial burdens, and livelihood security.

The association also articulated demands related to rural employment schemes being exclusively reserved for farm labor, comprehensive farm insurance coverage for all crop types without limitations, a family pension of ₹10,000 for farmers coupled with health cover, and a support price of ₹6,000 per quintal for sugarcane. They also called for government interventions to ensure competitive prices for mango and palmyra growers, alongside increased support for agriculture generally.

Key Points:

  • Protest led by Tamizhaga Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasaigal Sangam in Krishnagiri on January 19, 2026.
  • Demands include “pattas” for traditional forest lands, farm loan waivers, and recognition of farming rights for forest dwellers.
  • Call for exclusive use of rural employment schemes for farm labor.
  • Request for comprehensive farm insurance without caveats.
  • Demand for family pension of ₹10,000 and health cover for farmers.
  • Request for a support price of ₹6,000 per quintal for sugarcane.

Critical Analysis:

The protest comes on the heels of a similar demonstration by the same group in January 2025. This suggests a continued lack of resolution on the farmers’ grievances, pushing them to persistent action. The timing indicates that the issues have not been addressed adequately by either the State or Union governments in the intervening year. The protest can be viewed as an escalation due to unmet demands. The association is strategically focusing on multiple aspects of farmer welfare, from land rights to financial security, attempting to create broad-based support and increase pressure on the authorities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Farmers in Tamil Nadu continue to face significant challenges related to land rights, debt, and livelihood security.
  • The Tamizhaga Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasaigal Sangam remains an active voice for farmers, employing protest as a key strategy.
  • The recurrence of similar protests indicates a lack of effective government intervention and resolution of farmers’ issues.
  • The demands highlight the need for comprehensive agricultural policies addressing land ownership, financial support, and social security for farmers.

Impact Analysis:

The sustained protests by the Tamizhaga Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasaigal Sangam, coupled with other political activities (as evidenced by the mentions of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi in the historical context), points toward a potential shift in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. The farmers’ issues, if unaddressed, can potentially lead to increased social unrest and could influence electoral outcomes. The demands for loan waivers and price supports, if conceded, could have significant financial implications for the State and Union governments, influencing future budget allocations and agricultural policies. The long-term impact will depend on the government’s response and whether meaningful solutions are implemented to address the root causes of these issues.

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