Chennai, 07 Nov (H.S.):

The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned an additional Rs 2,842.77 crore for its crop loan waiver scheme, providing substantial financial relief to more than 13 lakh farmers who availed themselves of agricultural loans through cooperative institutions.

According to a Government Order issued on Friday, eligible farmers who obtained crop loans between May 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, will receive loan waivers of up to Rs 75,000.

With the latest allocation, the total financial provision for the scheme has reached Rs 9,062.83 crore, making it one of the major agricultural debt relief initiatives undertaken by the state government.

Official estimates indicate that approximately 13.24 lakh farmers are expected to benefit from the programme.

Of these, around 5.90 lakh farmers who borrowed up to Rs 75,000 through cooperative societies are expected to qualify for loan waivers.

Another 7,34,260 farmers who obtained loans exceeding Rs 75,000 are also expected to receive financial relief under the scheme, subject to the prescribed ceiling and eligibility conditions.

The initiative is aimed at reducing the debt burden on agricultural households and providing financial assistance to farmers who depend on cooperative credit institutions for cultivation and other agricultural activities.

Cooperative societies play a significant role in extending agricultural credit across Tamil Nadu, particularly to small and marginal farmers who rely on institutional loans to meet seasonal cultivation expenses.

The latest government allocation is expected to facilitate the implementation of the waiver programme and enable eligible beneficiaries to receive the announced relief.

The scheme covers qualifying crop loans obtained during the specified 11-month period, with the government setting aside substantial resources to meet the financial commitments arising from the waiver.

The additional allocation underscores the government's emphasis on agricultural debt relief and financial support for the farming community.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman