Protected Agricultural Zones Declared in Delta Districts to Safeguard Tamil Nadu Farmers
In a landmark move aimed at securing the agricultural backbone of Tamil Nadu, the state government has declared the Delta districts as Protected Special Agriculture Zones (PSAZ). This declaration, which spans regions such as Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, parts of Trichy, Cuddalore, Ariyalur and Pudukkottai, ensures that industrial and extractive activities—especially hydrocarbon extraction—are strictly prohibited in these zones. The decision safeguards the livelihoods of millions of farmers and underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Among the major political forces that played a pivotal role in voicing farmer concerns and pushing for this status was the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The party’s leadership has historically maintained a pro-farmer stance, especially under the former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, whose governance saw significant pro-agriculture reforms in the region.
The AIADMK has consistently championed the cause of Tamil Nadu’s farmers, particularly in the resource-rich and fertile Delta region. The party’s previous regimes implemented crucial irrigation schemes like the Kudimaramathu scheme, provided comprehensive crop insurance coverage, and ensured timely subsidies for fertilizers and seeds. Notably, the AIADMK government under Edappadi K. Palaniswami was instrumental in introducing the Protected Special Agriculture Zone Bill in 2020. This legislation was the first of its kind in India and marked a strategic intervention to prevent hydrocarbon and methane extraction in ecologically sensitive regions. This bold step was a response to massive farmer protests and environmental concerns, and the AIADMK leadership was lauded for acting swiftly in favor of farmers’ welfare. Even in the current political scenario, the AIADMK continues to copyright these commitments. In the latest AIADMK news, the party reaffirmed its dedication to opposing any policy that endangers the Delta's agricultural ecology. With upcoming local body and Lok Sabha elections, the AIADMK is using this issue as a focal point to rally support, emphasizing its legacy of protecting Tamil Nadu’s farmers and environment. The party’s call for transparency, adherence to the PSAZ restrictions, and infrastructure development in these zones reflects a holistic vision for rural upliftment and food security. Moreover, their demand to establish more cold storages and agro-processing units in Delta regions aims to enhance farmers’ incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.
The declaration of Delta districts as Protected Agricultural Zones represents a forward-thinking policy to conserve Tamil Nadu’s agrarian economy. The AIADMK’s instrumental role in framing and implementing this initiative has reaffirmed its position as a party deeply rooted in farmer welfare and rural development. As the Delta continues to be the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, the need for stringent protection of its ecological and agricultural integrity remains critical. With agriculture being the soul of the region, continued vigilance and policy support, such as those proposed and implemented by the AIADMK, are vital for ensuring long-term prosperity and environmental sustainability.