Tomato Plants Wither After Pesticide Spray Near Udumalpet, Farmer Seeks Compensation

A farmer in Poolavadi near Udumalpet sprayed pesticide to combat disease in his tomato crop, resulting in withered plants. He alleges inaction from authorities and demands compensation for his loss.


Tirupur: In a distressing turn of events, a farmer in Poolavadi near Udumalpet, Tirupur district, witnessed his tomato crop wither away after spraying pesticide to combat a minor disease outbreak. The incident has left the farmer, Masilamani, devastated as his crop was ready for harvest during a potentially profitable market period.



Tomato cultivation is prevalent in the areas surrounding Udumalpet and Madathukulam in Tiruppur district. Masilamani had purchased pesticide from a private company named Velan in Udumalpet to treat a mild disease affecting his tomato plants.



However, within days of applying the pesticide, the plants began to wither, leading to significant crop loss.



The farmer claims to have informed agricultural officials, horticulture department, and the pesticide company about the incident. However, he alleges that no action has been taken so far. Masilamani has demanded immediate compensation for his loss and called for proper guidance from the agriculture department to farmers regarding crop cultivation practices.

When contacted, officials from the horticulture and agriculture departments stated that samples would be sent to the agricultural research center to determine if the pesticide spray caused the withering of tomato plants. They added that further actions would be taken based on the report from the research center.

The incident has raised concerns among local farmers about the quality of pesticides and the need for proper guidance in their application. It also highlights the challenges faced by farmers in protecting their crops and securing their livelihoods.

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