Trichy Farmers Grapple with Paddy Procurement Delays Amid Strikes
At the monthly grievance redressal meeting held at the Trichy district collectorate on Wednesday, farmers voiced urgent concerns over significant delays in paddy procurement across the district. The meeting, chaired by District Collector V Saravanan and attended by senior officials from various departments, focused on the backlog at direct procurement centres (DPCs), primarily attributed to ongoing strikes by revenue department staff and truck drivers.
Root Causes of the Procurement Crisis
Farmers' representatives highlighted that the delays are severely disrupting agricultural cycles. N. Rajendiran, a representative from Vayalur, emphasized, "The delay is preventing farmers from proceeding with their next cultivation of crops such as maize and pulses, and many lack access to proper storage facilities." Sources revealed that revenue officials have been on strike, demanding regularization of wages, filling of long-pending vacancies, and improved working conditions. Concurrently, lorry owners are protesting a recent increase in renewal fees for heavy vehicle fitness certificates, exacerbating the transportation issues.
Storage and Quality Concerns Escalate
Another farmers' representative, M P Chinnathurai, warned that paddy bags left openly stacked or scattered on floors without adequate storage are at risk of germination and spoilage if rain occurs. 'Ayilai' Siva Sooriyan added that the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation's stocking of an adequate number of gunny bags at centres is further contributing to procurement delays, as it complicates logistics and handling processes.
Official Response and Tribute
During the meeting, officials and farmers paid a silent tribute to CPI veteran R Nallakannu, who passed away recently. District Collector V Saravanan assured attendees that the issues are being addressed, but no immediate solutions were announced. The situation underscores broader challenges in agricultural supply chains and labor disputes in the region.
