Farmers Outraged by Shocking New Bid to Seize 129 Acres of Vital Land at Kovilankulam’s Regional Agricultural Research Centre
Farmers in Virudhunagar district are reeling from renewed efforts by the local administration to acquire 129 acres of land from the Regional Agricultural Research Centre in Kovilankulam. This land, crucial for agricultural research, is targeted for the establishment of a SIPCOT industrial park, raising alarm among the farming community.
In March 2025, the district’s revenue officials initially proposed the land acquisition, prompting loud opposition from farmers. R. Rampandian, President of the Cauvery Vaigai Gundar Kiruthumal Irrigation Farmers’ Federation, emphasized the significance of the research center, which focuses on dryland crops and collaborates with agricultural and horticultural colleges. “This center has been instrumental in coordinating research and training initiatives, also serving as the Coordination Centre of the Regional Research and Extension Advisory Council for the South Zone,” he explained.
On March 21, during a grievances redress meeting, Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan announced that the district administration would drop the proposal, providing a temporary respite for the farmers. However, this relief was short-lived. On June 11, Aruppukottai Tahsildar Senthilvel sent a letter to the Centre’s Professor, requesting details about the land parcels, distinguishing between utilized and unused areas.
Rampandian noted that the Special District Revenue Officer had previously stated there were no plans for land acquisition and that all communications regarding the effort had ceased. Yet, the Tahsildar’s recent correspondence, referencing a letter from SIPCOT’s Managing Director regarding land acquisition, sparked fresh concerns among the farmers. “Despite the district officials providing misleading information, they are covertly advancing the land acquisition agenda,” he alleged.
The farmers’ association argues that this proposed acquisition is a betrayal not only of Virudhunagar’s local community but also of farmers across southern Tamil Nadu. They point out that the research center was established by former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, reflecting its historical and ongoing importance to the region’s agricultural development.
As the situation evolves, the farmers vow to continue their fight against the proposed acquisition, emphasizing the center’s role in fostering agricultural innovation and supporting rural livelihoods. The community remains watchful, determined to safeguard their agricultural legacy against encroachment for industrial development.
The controversy surrounding the acquisition raises critical questions about land use, agricultural sustainability, and the balance between industrial growth and the needs of local farmers. As discussions heat up, the farmers of Virudhunagar are mobilizing to protect what they see as vital resources for future generations.
Published – June 19, 2025 07:47 am IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/farmers-shocked-at-renewed-bid-to-acquire-129-acres-of-land-of-regional-agricultural-research-centre-at-kovilankulam/article69709948.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-06-19 07:47:00
