The Federation of Tamil Nadu Agriculturists Association (FTAA) has welcomed the waiver of agricultural loans, as announced by Jayalalithaa, immediately after assuming charge as Chief Minister of the State today.

FTAA secretary, S. Nallasamy said that although they welcomed the move, it was only a temporary solution, and not a long-term one. Farmers, he said, face financial burden each year due to non-remunerative prices for their products.

According to him, the only permanent solution was the implementation of M.S. Swaminathan Committee recommendations by fixing the Minimum Support Prices for the produce. He said that the AIADMK must exert pressure on the Centre so that farmers don’t have to beg each year.

Welcoming the government’s decision to reduce the business hours of TASMAC, he however raised the issue of toddy and the government’s stand on it. Kerala has banned liquor, but not the sale of toddy, he pointed out.