The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation’s AITUC has called for a revival of the “price cut” mechanism in paddy procurement. In a statement released on September 26, C. Chandrakumar, the general secretary of TNCSC AITUC, highlighted the issues surrounding current procurement practices that are affecting farmers and state finances alike.
Chandrakumar pointed out that historically, when the Tamil Nadu government handled paddy procurement, it implemented price cuts based on the moisture content of the grains. This allowed for flexibility, enabling the state to procure paddy with moisture levels as high as 24%. However, the shift to a procurement model where the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation acts on behalf of the Central government has changed the landscape dramatically. Now, the Central government sets norms for procurement, mandating a flat moisture content criterion of 17%. This is particularly problematic given that paddy harvesting often coincides with monsoon season, resulting in naturally higher moisture levels.
Chandrakumar criticized the current procurement practices, noting that higher moisture content paddy is being accepted, but only under misleading records that falsely indicate compliance with the 17% rule. This manipulation not only strains the state’s financial resources but also undermines the integrity of the procurement system designed to support farmers.
He urged the Tamil Nadu government to advocate for greater autonomy in setting moisture content standards during procurement, allowing for price adjustments that reflect actual conditions on the ground. “The state must push the Centre for more flexibility in these regulations,” Chandrakumar urged, emphasizing that restoring the previous mechanisms will lead to fairer pricing for farmers and more sustainable procurement practices.
As farmers in Tamil Nadu continue to face challenges during the harvesting season, this call for action resonates with many in the agricultural community who are looking for practical solutions that safeguard their livelihoods. By enabling state authorities to adapt procurement rules to local conditions, officials hope to create a more equitable environment for paddy producers across the region.
The controversy surrounding the paddy procurement process underscores the need for dialogue between state and central authorities, aiming to better support Tamil Nadu’s farmers. With ongoing discussions around agricultural policies, this proposal could play a pivotal role in redefining how paddy procurement is handled moving forward.
As this situation evolves, stakeholders in the agriculture sector will be watching closely for any changes that might arise from this renewed push for reform, hoping for a system that truly reflects the needs and realities of the farmers it aims to serve.
Published – September 26, 2025, 05:19 PM IST.
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Tags: Tiruchirapalli, paddy procurement, Tamil Nadu, farmer support, agricultural policy, moisture content.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/aituc-suggests-revival-of-price-cut-mechanism-in-paddy-procurement/article70097157.ece
Category : Tiruchirapalli
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Publish Date: 2025-09-26 17:19:00
