Farmers in Chengalpattu district are facing significant challenges due to incessant rainfall, which has hindered their ability to properly dry their paddy harvests. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, they appealed to a visiting special team of central government officials for a crucial relaxation in the permissible moisture content limits for paddy procurement.
According to District Collector D. Sneha, Chengalpattu currently operates 72 Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) managed by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, alongside five additional centres run by the NCCF. These centres are currently procuring paddy with a moisture content of up to 17% during the ongoing Sornavari season.
The central committee’s visit included inspections of five DPCs located in key agricultural areas: Keerapakkam in Thirukazhukundram, Oragadam in Thiruporur, Villiyampakkam in Kattankulathur, and S. N. Puram and Padalam in Maduranthakam. During these visits, officials collected paddy samples for assessment.
R. Muralimohan, secretary of the Chengalpattu District Farmers Association, highlighted the plight of the farmers. He explained that due to the persistent rains, farmers are unable to sufficiently dry their paddy, leading to higher moisture levels. Muralimohan suggested that rice mills and Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouses are better equipped to handle the drying process. He noted that large quantities of paddy exceeding the 17% moisture limit are currently stalled at the DPCs, and farmers are earnestly hoping for the Centre to acknowledge their difficulties and proceed with the procurement of this affected produce.