Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has urged the state government to immediately appoint a full-time Agriculture Secretary, arguing that the absence of dedicated administrative leadership is adding to farmers’ concerns ahead of the rainy season. In a statement on Tuesday, he questioned the delay in filling the post and called for urgent action to ensure effective coordination within the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department.

Udhayanidhi said it had been a month since Shankar, IAS, who was serving as Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, was transferred as Commissioner of Archaeology. He questioned why a department with a separate agriculture budget continued without a dedicated secretary and argued that the vacancy raised concerns over the administration’s focus on farmers’ welfare. He stressed that stable leadership was particularly important with the monsoon approaching.

According to Udhayanidhi, a full-time secretary was necessary to ensure timely decisions on issues affecting farmers and continuous monitoring of agricultural activities at the district level. He alleged that the Agriculture Minister and Chief Minister had not addressed the vacancy, claiming they were occupied with other matters. He also criticised the ruling government over its handling of farmers’ concerns and alleged that its election promise on crop loan waivers remained unfulfilled.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Forecast For Nilgiris, Coimbatore As Tamil Nadu Sees Widespread Showers

He further alleged that inadequate planning had increased difficulties for farmers engaged in samba cultivation, particularly amid disruptions caused by natural calamities. He pointed to growing dissatisfaction among farmers, including protests over irrigation shortages and demands for relief from outstanding agricultural loans. Farmers in Muthupettai reportedly blocked a road on Monday over the non-availability of irrigation water in tail-end areas, while others entered Veeranam Lake seeking water for cultivation.

Udhayanidhi also referred to the Tamil Nadu farmers’ union’s announcement of a proposed protest outside the state Secretariat in Chennai on October 14. The union plans to demand a complete waiver of crop loans, citing the commitment made in the election manifesto. The developments come as farmers seek timely access to irrigation and administrative support during the crucial cultivation period.

Calling for an experienced senior IAS officer to take charge of the department, Udhayanidhi said stronger administrative coordination was needed to address farmers’ grievances and ease difficulties in the agricultural sector. He urged the government to end the delay in appointing a full-time Agriculture Secretary and ensure that decisions affecting farmers are taken promptly, particularly as the rainy season approaches.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Suspends Two Officials After Hindi Signboards Trigger Uproar On State Highway