Will Palaniswami Address the Paddy Procurement Issues for Farmers?
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Synopsis
In a crucial move for farmers in Tamil Nadu's delta region, Edappadi K. Palaniswami pledges to raise pressing issues regarding paddy procurement with the State government. His visit to the Direct Purchase Centre highlights the struggles of local farmers, amidst accusations against the government regarding procurement transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Palaniswami pledges to advocate for farmers' issues.
- Delta farmers are facing significant challenges.
- Government procurement claims are under scrutiny.
- Calls for expedited procurement processes.
- Ongoing measures to improve storage and procurement efficiency.
Chennai, Oct 22 (NationPress) Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the general secretary of AIADMK and Leader of the Opposition, assured farmers in the delta region of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday that he would address their concerns regarding paddy procurement with the State government.
During his visit to the Direct Purchase Centre (DPC) at Kattur, near Thanjavur, Palaniswami engaged with numerous farmers and expressed his solidarity with their issues.
“I understand the struggles of the delta farmers as I am also a farmer,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing delays in procurement that have caused distress among many cultivators.
The AIADMK leader mentioned that the harvested paddy, awaiting procurement, has started to sprout due to incessant rainfall and insufficient storage facilities.
“Farmers in the delta are disheartened. The government misleads them by asserting in the Legislative Assembly that 2,000 bags of paddy are procured daily, while the actual number is under 800 bags,” he claimed.
Palaniswami called on the State to expedite procurement processes and ensure prompt payments to farmers, warning that inefficiencies in procurement could lead to significant losses for those reliant on their paddy harvest for their livelihoods.
Later, he visited additional DPCs in the Orathanadu area of Thanjavur and the Mannargudi region of Tiruvarur, interacting with farmers there as well and gathering their petitions and complaints for submission to the government.
In response, Food Minister R. Sakkarapani, while inspecting a paddy storage facility at Pillaiyarpatti on the outskirts of Thanjavur, dismissed the allegations made by the Opposition leader. “What else could you expect from the Opposition party?” he remarked, asserting that the government has implemented various measures to improve storage and procurement efficiency in the delta region.
Sakkarapani further stated that approximately 1,000 bags of paddy are being procured daily across DPCs and assured that the procurement process is running smoothly, with additional storage capacity being developed to accommodate the influx of paddy during the peak harvest season.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in the delta regions. The friction between political leaders and the government regarding procurement processes underscores a significant issue that affects agricultural communities. Ensuring transparency and efficiency in procurement is essential for supporting farmers' livelihoods and fostering trust in government policies.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Palaniswami promise to the farmers?
Palaniswami assured farmers that he would raise their concerns regarding paddy procurement with the State government.
What issues are delta farmers facing?
Farmers are experiencing delays in paddy procurement, leading to sprouting crops and financial distress.
How many bags of paddy does the government claim to procure daily?
The government claims to procure 2,000 bags daily, while Palaniswami alleges the actual number is under 800.
What is the government's response to the allegations?
Food Minister R. Sakkarapani dismissed the allegations, stating that around 1,000 bags are being procured daily and improvements in procurement processes are underway.
Where did Palaniswami visit to meet farmers?
He visited the Direct Purchase Centre in Kattur and later other DPCs in the Orathanadu and Mannargudi regions.
