The Melavalavu primary agricultural cooperative society in Madurai has been closed for eight months after its lone staffer retired, leaving 1,200 farmer-members without access to loans, fertilisers or credit schemes.
Farmers cultivating extensive paddy fields using Periyar irrigation say repeated complaints brought no action. Officials deputed a secretary from another society, but he is overburdened and rarely available.
The cooperative handles monthly transactions of Rs 10–12 lakh yet remains shut due to poor finances. The cooperative department says a new clerk will be appointed soon to restore operations.
