Tamil Nadu: Farmers flag paddy procurement delay

The ongoing delay in paddy procurement across the district was a key issue raised at the monthly grievance redressal meeting at Trichy district collectorate on Wednesday which was attended by district collector V Saravanan and officials.

Farmers drew attention to the significant backlog in paddy procurement at direct procurement centres (DPCs) throughout the district, primarily caused by the ongoing strike by revenue department staff and truck drivers. N. Rajendiran, a farmers’ representative from Vayalur, said, “The delay is severely affecting farmers, as they are unable to move forward with their next cultivation of crops such as maize and pulses. Many farmers do not have access to storage facilities.” Sources said revenue officials recently went on strike demanding regularization of wages, filling of long-pending vacancies, and improved working conditions. Separately, lorry owners have also been on strike, protesting the recent increase in renewal fees for heavy vehicle fitness certificates.

M P Chinnathurai, another farmers’ representative, said paddy bags stacked openly or scattered on the floor without proper storage will lead to germination, and go to waste if it rains. ‘Ayilai’ Siva Sooriyan, another farmers’ representative, said, “Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation is stocking an adequate number of gunny bags at the centres, which is further contributing to the delay in procurement.”

Officials and farmers paid a silent tribute to CPI veteran R Nallakannu, who passed away recently. District collector V Saravanan chaired the farmers’ grievance redressal meeting, which was attended by senior officials from various departments.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.