Delay in DPC opening irks Delta farmers

Kuruvai cultivation has been undertaken in Delta region in an area of three lakh acre which was minimal compared to previous years due to water scarcity and the harvest is on full swing for the past 15 days. However, the Direct Procurement Centres (DPC) have not yet been opened which prompted the farmers to sell the paddy to the private parties who have been procuring it for a less price. 

“We cannot wait until the government opens the DPCs as most of the farmers have got the fertilizers, tractor for credit promising to pay off after the harvest. With the uncertainty of the date of opening the DPCs, we have to opt for the private parties who procure paddy at Rs 1,050 per quintal against the government price of Rs 1,350 to Rs 1,460,” said Ayilai Siva Suriyan, Tiruchy district secretary of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam. 

Meanwhile, Srinivasan, a farmer from Annappanpettai in Thanjavur said that they are given Rs 600 to 700 for a bag of 60 kg paddy which is very minimal and the farmers have to sell it due to pressure from the agents. Farmers said that a few permanent DPC are out of their reach. “Instead of meeting out the transport cost, we opt to sell them to the private parties for lower price,” Ayilai Siva Suriyan said. 

Meanwhile, Civil supplies officials, said that the DPCs use to be opened only after October 1 and the revised procurement price is yet to be received. Till then, old price has been fixed.