Chennai, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Kuruvai paddy cultivation period in Madurai district has officially concluded, with the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) now entering the concluding phase of procurement.

This season has been a remarkable achievement for the district, with over 20,000 metric tonnes of paddy secured—almost double the 12,000 tonnes harvested in the previous season.

Officials indicate that this increase in procurement signifies a marked enhancement in overall yield, aided by favourable farming conditions and timely agricultural interventions.

However, persistent rainfall over the last week has created logistical challenges, particularly in transporting paddy from procurement centers to storage facilities.

The Agriculture Department revealed that 9,000 hectares were allocated to Kuruvai cultivation in the district.

Farmers achieved an average yield of 2 to 2.5 tonnes per acre, a significant rise compared to last year, when pest and disease outbreaks devastated a large portion of the crop. This time, the enhanced yield and profitable procurement prices prompted more farmers to deliver their produce to Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs).

A senior TNCSC official from Madurai stated that 51 DPCs were established throughout the district, with 33 centers already completing their procurement operations.

“To date, 20,279.8 tonnes have been procured. We anticipate receiving an additional 2,000 to 3,000 tonnes before the season concludes. We are supplying over 1,000 tonnes daily to ensure the process remains on track,” the official added.

The heavy rainfall over the weekend has hindered the transportation of paddy from the DPCs, with officials admitting that the wet conditions have complicated stock movement.

Nevertheless, they stressed that all procured paddy has been securely stored, and improved logistical arrangements were established from Tuesday to resume efficient transportation.

Farmers in Madurai expressed their satisfaction with this year's abundant harvest, noting that the increased yield, coupled with stable prices at the procurement centers, provided essential relief following last year's setbacks.

However, with sporadic rainfall still posing a threat, they have urged TNCSC to accelerate the remaining procurement to protect the harvested stocks.

TNCSC officials expect to finalize the Kuruvai procurement by the first week of December, marking a successful conclusion to one of the district's most productive seasons in recent times.