A Central government team, composed of senior officials, recently visited direct paddy procurement centres (DPCs) across Cuddalore district. Their mission: to evaluate the moisture levels in harvested paddy, which have been significantly affected by persistent rains brought by the Northeast monsoon.
This crucial inspection follows a plea from the Tamil Nadu government, which requested federal approval to procure paddy with a higher moisture content, up to 22%, acknowledging the widespread impact of the inclement weather on local agriculture.
The inspection team was led by D.M. Preethi, Assistant Director of the Department of Food and Public Distribution. She was accompanied by Technical Officers Priya Bhatt and Anupama, along with Arun Prasad, Manager of the Food Corporation of India (Vellore), and K.C. Uma Maheswari, Senior Manager of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC). They thoroughly examined the DPC at Thookanampakkam, meticulously collecting samples directly from paddy bags to analyze moisture content.
Beyond Thookanampakkam, the officials extended their visit to paddy procurement centers in Kundiyamallur and Kalaiyur, taking time to listen to the valuable concerns raised by the local farming community.
Sivakumar, a farmer from Kundiyamallur, highlighted the significant challenges faced. He explained that relentless rainfall had not only damaged paddy crops nearing harvest but also drastically elevated the moisture content in already reaped grains. To verify these claims, further samples were gathered to accurately assess the moisture levels and the overall extent of crop damage.
Overwhelmed by the difficulties posed by the heavy Northeast monsoon, farmers collectively appealed for an increase in the permissible paddy moisture content for procurement, seeking approval for levels up to 22% to prevent further losses.