Members of the district Coconut Growers’ Association wanted the Ramanathapuram District Collector to intervene and stop the closure of the pathway near INS Parundhu, which has been used by them for over four decades to transport their produce.

They were speaking at the farmers’ grievances redress meeting that was presided over by Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon in which officials from the Agriculture, Revenue, Rural Development and others participated here on Friday.

The association president Abdul Munaaf told reporters that the pathway close to the INS Parundhu had been used by them to transport their materials, including fertilizers and coconuts, by tractors. Now, the Railways had proposed to lay cables closer to the pathway and hence, the officials have blocked the way used by the farmers.

It would be very difficult as there was no proper approach to the fields and coconut groves in the vicinity. The Collector should inspect the spot and save the farmers from the hardships faced due to the change, he said.

In the meeting, the Collector heard the grievances from the farmers, which ranged from removing encroachments in waterbodies, to getting relief for the crop loss due to the unseasonal rains a year and half back and among others.

he Collector was also informed about the shortage of fertilizers in some pockets in the district. He directed the Agriculture department officials to ensure that there was no shortage.