Chennai, Sep 23 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu faction of the Bharatiya Janata Party has appealed to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to implement new laws and adopt strict actions to combat corruption in paddy procurement centers. They claim that farmers are undergoing systematic exploitation, despite achieving record procurement levels this year.

In a formal representation to the Chief Minister, BJP state spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad pointed out that farmers in the Cauvery Delta and other paddy-producing regions are being forced to pay commissions ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 60 for each 40-kg sack at direct procurement centers.

He further alleged that sacks are being under-weighed by approximately two kilograms, leading to an estimated loss of Rs 275 per quintal due to a combination of bribes and deductions.

Prasad noted that these malpractices have caused losses totaling crores of rupees over the last four years.

Despite the state fixing procurement prices at Rs 2,500 per quintal for common paddy and Rs 2,545 for fine varieties this year, the modest increase of Rs 95 over the previous year has not resolved farmers' issues, particularly in light of these deductions.

He highlighted that while the Centre has set the MSP for common paddy at Rs 2,369 and added Rs 131 as a state incentive, Tamil Nadu's incentive package pales compared to the Rs 800 provided in states like Punjab and Odisha.

Prasad emphasized that unofficial deductions at procurement centers often surpass the incentive itself, leaving farmers in dire financial straits.

Pointing to the escalating costs of cultivation, he stated that producing one quintal of paddy in Tamil Nadu requires around Rs 2,300, based on operational costs exceeding Rs 64,000 per hectare.

Referring to the M.S. Swaminathan Committee's recommendation of comprehensive cost plus 50% profit, he expressed that the fair price for paddy should range between Rs 3,135 and Rs 3,450, significantly above the current rates.

Even with Tamil Nadu achieving record procurement of over 45 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in 2025, farmers continue to protest and block roads due to corruption and unjust practices, raising concerns about the government's commitment to their welfare.

The BJP leader called for the introduction of legislation in the Assembly to ensure transparency and safeguard farmers' rights, the establishment of an independent commission led by a retired judge to investigate irregularities, the formation of district-level special police units to look into extortion, publication of a white paper detailing actions taken over the past five years, and an increase in the state’s procurement incentives to align with those in other states.

He also advocated for digital monitoring, including CCTV surveillance and blockchain-based tracking of transactions, along with the establishment of helplines for farmers to report grievances.

Prasad asserted that farmers are the backbone of Tamil Nadu, and exploitation at procurement centers constitutes both a legal violation and an ethical failure.

He urged the Chief Minister to respond swiftly and decisively to restore trust in the procurement system and protect the livelihoods of farmers who nourish the nation.