On July 2023, in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, delta farmers are calling on the state government to expedite paddy procurement. The current pace of procurement is resulting in large quantities of paddy accumulating in open yards at Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs). With the summer harvest season in full swing, farmers are concerned that delays will affect grain quality and hinder fresh procurement. The short-term summer paddy crop was cultivated on approximately 1.60 lakh acres across the Cauvery Delta starting in April, and procurement began in late June, scheduled to continue until August.
Procurement centres, including Point of Procurement centres with a daily capacity of 1,000 bags, have reportedly slowed down in recent weeks. Farmer organisations claim that centres that initially handled around 1,000 bags daily are now managing only 500 to 600 bags. The slowdown is attributed to delays in transporting procured paddy from DPCs to Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) warehouses and hulling mills. Farmer representatives allege that the usual practice of prompt transportation has not been followed, resulting in stocks remaining at open centres for extended periods.
The backlog is evident across several procurement centres in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai districts, with estimates suggesting that many centres are holding between 10,000 and 15,000 bags of procured paddy. Farmers warn that prolonged exposure could lead to weight loss, discolouration, and other quality issues, ultimately slowing down procurement further. They urge the government to address the issue promptly to ensure timely procurement and prevent losses.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News