Will TN Delta Farmers Get Their Tripartite Meeting to Discuss Paddy Procurement?
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Synopsis
Farmers from Tamil Nadu’s Delta region are urging the state to hold a tripartite meeting to address long-standing paddy procurement issues. They demand a shift to 50 kg bags to reduce corruption and financial losses, hoping for government responsiveness during the current Kharif Marketing Season.
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu farmers are calling for a return to tripartite meetings to address procurement issues.
- The shift from 40 kg to 50 kg bags is a significant demand to reduce corruption.
- Farmers report high bribes and deductions affecting their income.
- Other commodities are procured in larger bags, highlighting inconsistencies.
- Government response is awaited as the current Kharif Marketing Season progresses.
Chennai, Sep 8 (NationPress) Farmers from the Delta region of Tamil Nadu have once again urged the state government to organize a tripartite meeting aimed at reviewing paddy procurement policies—an essential process that has been neglected for the past two years.
According to the farmers, such a gathering would provide them the opportunity to express their worries and advocate for overdue reforms in procurement practices. A major request is to transition from the current 40 kg bags to 50 kg bags for paddy procurement during this year’s Kharif Marketing Season (KMS).
They contend that utilizing 50 kg bags would minimize deductions and instances of corruption, thereby alleviating the financial strain on cultivators.
“While other commodities such as sesame, cotton, black gram, green gram, maize, ragi, pepper, and various grains are procured in 100 kg bags, paddy is uniquely confined to 40 kg bags. This discrepancy not only facilitates irregularities but also coerces us into paying bribes and enduring unnecessary deductions,” stated Swamimalai Sundara Vimalanathan, Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association.
He revealed that farmers are often forced to pay bribes of up to Rs 60 per 40 kg bag, in addition to losing two kilograms of paddy per bag due to deductions. Farmers also noted that other government departments, like the Agriculture Marketing and Agri Business Department, procure paddy in larger 75 kg bags, while fertilizers and multi-grains are managed in 50 kg bags.
Conversely, the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) continues to depend on the smaller 40 kg bags, placing cultivators at a disadvantage. The traditional tripartite meeting, which used to take place before procurement commenced, included officials, elected representatives, and farmers, offering cultivators a chance to impact policy decisions.
Farmers now assert that the government's reluctance to organize these meetings has deprived them of a formal avenue to voice their grievances.
“For years, we have been advocating for procurement in 50 kg bags. This change would diminish the volume of deductions and foster fairness in the system. Without these reforms, farmers are left at a disadvantage,” Vimalnathan emphasized.
As procurement for the current season is in progress, farmers remain hopeful that the government will respond favorably to their demands, revive the tripartite meeting system, and take necessary actions to address their issues.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the plight of farmers as they navigate outdated procurement policies. The call for a tripartite meeting reflects their need for a platform to voice grievances and seek necessary reforms. Supporting farmers ensures that agricultural practices are fair and sustainable, benefiting not just them but the entire nation.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Delta farmers demanding a tripartite meeting?
They are seeking a formal platform to discuss paddy procurement policies and advocate for reforms that have been neglected for two years.
What is the significance of switching to 50 kg bags?
Switching to 50 kg bags would reduce deductions and corruption, easing the financial burden on farmers.
How has the procurement process changed in Tamil Nadu?
The traditional tripartite meetings have not been held for two years, leaving farmers without a formal channel to address their issues.
What are the farmers’ main grievances?
Farmers are frustrated with the current 40 kg bag limit and the corruption that arises from it, including forced bribes and deductions.
What impact does this have on farmers’ livelihoods?
The current procurement practices financially strain farmers, leading to losses and unfair practices that compromise their livelihoods.
