How Are TN Delta Districts Enhancing Vigilance at Paddy Procurement Centres Amid Samba Harvest?
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Synopsis
As the samba harvest accelerates, Tamil Nadu's district administrations are enhancing measures at procurement centres to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the process. Strict verification protocols are in place to prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring a fair and transparent procurement system during this vital season.
Key Takeaways
- Increased vigilance at DPCs to prevent fraud.
- Genuine farmers are prioritized for procurement benefits.
- Officials are encouraged to maintain transparency and accountability.
- Farmers can report suspicious activities easily.
- Advance notifications for procurement times to minimize waiting.
Chennai, Jan 24 (NationPress) As the early samba harvest rapidly advances throughout the Cauvery delta, district authorities have increased scrutiny at Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) to thwart outsiders and traders from masquerading as farmers and illegally offloading paddy with forged documents. Officials have been directed to meticulously verify records to guarantee that procurement benefits are exclusively delivered to authentic cultivators.
In Thanjavur district, Collector B. Priyanka Pankajam recently organized a preparatory meeting in anticipation of the Kharif Marketing Season 2025–26, collaborating with officials from the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) and procurement personnel. Stressing the importance of transparency and accountability, the Collector urged officials to commit fully throughout the season for the benefit of farmers.
She also highlighted challenges that emerged during the previous kuruvai procurement season and warned staff to ensure such disruptions do not happen again.
Reinforcing this message, District Revenue Officer and Collector-in-Charge D. Thiyagarajan issued a stern warning on Saturday against permitting outsiders at DPCs. He instructed staff to thoroughly check the documents of all individuals approaching the centres and to deny access to anyone suspected of being a trader or middleman.
“There are reports of external traders posing as farmers and approaching DPCs. Staff must stay alert. Legal action will be taken against those engaged in such malpractice,” he stated in an official communication.
According to Thiyagarajan, a total of 483 DPCs have been established by the TNCSC in the Thanjavur region so far. To date, 19,185 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured, with ₹48.48 crore directly credited to the bank accounts of 4,218 farmers.
To bolster monitoring, farmers and DPC staff have been instructed to report any suspicious activities by calling 94437 32305 or the toll-free number 1800 599 3540.
In addition, similar measures are being implemented in the neighboring Tiruvarur district, where 298 DPCs have been set up for samba procurement. District Collector V. Mohanachandran urged farmers to visit designated DPCs with proper documentation, including Aadhaar, bank account information, and land ownership records.
He assured that farmers would be notified in advance regarding the date and time of procurement to help them avoid prolonged waiting periods. The Collector also guaranteed that TNCSC officials would be accessible to address complaints and clarify any uncertainties at all times, ensuring a seamless and transparent procurement process during the ongoing samba season.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the benefits of agricultural procurement reach **genuine** farmers. The measures being implemented in Tamil Nadu reflect a commitment to **transparency** and **integrity**, which are essential for the sustainability of our agricultural sector. The vigilance at procurement centres is a necessary step to maintain trust within the farming community, and we support these initiatives wholeheartedly.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are being taken to prevent fraud at DPCs?
District administrations are implementing strict verification processes to ensure that only genuine farmers are allowed to sell paddy, preventing outsiders from posing as farmers.
How can farmers report suspicious activities?
Farmers and DPC staff can report any suspicious activities by calling 94437 32305 or the toll-free number 1800 599 3540.
What is the current status of paddy procurement in the Thanjavur region?
So far, 483 DPCs have been opened in the Thanjavur region, with 19,185 metric tonnes of paddy procured and ₹48.48 crore credited to farmers' accounts.
What documents do farmers need to bring to DPCs?
Farmers should bring Aadhaar, bank account details, and land ownership records when approaching designated DPCs.
How are officials ensuring transparency in the procurement process?
Officials are being instructed to verify records meticulously and maintain open lines of communication with farmers regarding procurement times and processes.
