Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay on Monday announced a fresh crop-loan waiver package under Rule 110 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, expanding relief for farmers based on the size of outstanding loans.
As per the announcement, crop loans up to Rs 75,000 will be waived in full. For farmers who borrowed up to Rs 1 lakh, a waiver of Rs 75,000 will be provided, while those with loans above Rs 1 lakh will receive a waiver of Rs 35,000.
The Chief Minister said the government had earlier issued an order on May 25—within 15 days of assuming office—waiving crop loans up to Rs 50,000 for small, marginal and other farmers, even amid financial constraints. He added that demands received from farmers’ organisations were reviewed before deciding on the enhanced relief.
According to the government’s estimates, the additional waiver will benefit 2,38,264 farmers who have crop loans in the Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh range, with relief of up to Rs 75,000 each. The expanded waiver is expected to impose an additional fiscal burden of Rs 953.06 crore.
CM Vijay also said the government has extended crop loans totalling Rs 6,220 crore to 13.34 lakh farmers, stressing that the welfare of Tamil Nadu’s farmers is central to the state’s overall well-being.
