Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers Detained During Hunger Strike Over Low Chicken Rearing Rates
Police in Tirupur district detained twenty-two poultry farmers on Monday. These farmers had been on a hunger strike since Sunday. They were protesting the low rates offered by poultry industries for chicken rearing.
Background of the Protest
The farmers rear chickens on a contractual basis for broiler industries. They began their strike on January 1. Their main grievance is the low foster care rates provided by the industries. They halted all production to demand an increase in rearing charges.
Farmers cite rising operational costs as a key reason for their protest. They want the state government to revise the foster care rates significantly. Their demands include increasing the rate for broiler chicken from 6.5 rupees per kilogram to 20 rupees per kilogram.
They also seek 25 rupees per kilogram for farm-reared country chicken. For quail, they demand a rate of 7 rupees per kilogram.
Police Action and Negotiations
Avinashipalayam police and Tirupur south tahsildar Saravanan attempted to hold talks with the protesters. The farmers refused to agree to negotiations. They continued their hunger strike protest.
As a result, Avinashipalayam police detained the twenty-two farmers. The group included eight women. Police later released all detained individuals.
Previous Arrests and Judicial Custody
This detention follows an earlier arrest on January 13. Police arrested nine farmers at that time. Eesan Murugasamy was among those arrested. He is the founder of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association.
All nine farmers were remanded to judicial custody. They remain in custody as of this reporting.
Farmer Statements and Demands
One farmer clearly stated their position. He said the wage for broiler chicken farming must increase from 6.50 rupees to 20 rupees. He also demanded the unconditional release of the nine arrested farmers, including Eesan Murugasamy.
The farmer declared the hunger strike will continue until these demands are met. He emphasized their resolve to persist with the protest.
Political and Association Support
Tirupur MP K Subbarayan has intervened in the matter. He sought the release of the nine arrested farmers. The MP called for all cases against the protesters to be withdrawn.
He urged Chief Minister M K Stalin to take appropriate action regarding the farmers' demands. He stressed the need for government intervention.
Sami Natarajan also voiced support for the farmers. He is the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association. Natarajan stated the state government should hold tripartite talks to increase wages for broiler chicken farming.
He added that action must be taken to fulfil the legitimate demands of the protesting farmers. He highlighted the importance of addressing their wage increase concerns.
Current Situation
The hunger strike protest continues despite the detentions. Farmers remain steadfast in their demands for higher rearing rates. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between contractual poultry farmers and the broiler industry in Tamil Nadu.
All parties await further developments and potential government action to resolve the dispute.
