Thiruvananthapuram: Kothamangalam farmer Thomas, who suffered heavy losses after KSEB personnel felled 406 harvest-ready banana plants, on Thursday morning received compensation announced by the state government. MLA Antony John visited him personally and handed over the Rs 3.5 lakh compensation.

Interestingly, Thomas received compensation on Chingam 1, the day observed as New Year and Farmer’s Day based on Malayalam Calendar. “ It is an honour that an ordinary farmer receives on Farmers’ Day,” said Thomas’s son Aneesh.

Meanwhile, MLA noted that it's not the time to discuss about right and wrong and compensation is given for the loss suffered by Thomas.

KSEB cut the plants two weeks ago due to an alleged threat from the 220 KV line passing through the farmer's field. However, it drew severe criticism as the plants were near harvest, eyeing the Onam season, and the farmer was not given prior notice. However, KSEB maintained that it was a threat to human lives and the plants had touched the line.