Cartel affects farmers at Kaveripakkam regulated market

With the harvest season just starting, officials are worried by the poor arrivals of paddy at Kaveripakkam, considered the paddy heartland in the district. 

Speaking to DT Next, Kuppan (name changed), a farmer, said, “Some locals are not allowing traders to enter the market and bid for paddy. Citing community considerations, they demand that we sell our produce to them.” 

Saminathan, another farmer added, “We are already spending Rs 1200 for a bag of fertilizer and when we are offered only between Rs 830 and Rs 850 for a 75-kilo bag of paddy, we suffer a loss which cannot be recouped. This has put a question mark over us continuing farming in the next paddy season.” 

Due to the prevailing situation, farmers have started shifting to other markets in Ammoor, Arni in Tiruvannamalai district and Kancheepuram to ensure a decent profit.

When contacted, a senior official said, “We will act, as an official in the Kaveripakkam regulated market is responsible for allowing the problem to develop.” 

Acknowledging that the problem has affected paddy arrivals in the market, which has now dwindled to 250 - 300 bags daily, he said, “Registered traders also prefer to visit Ammoor as they are assured of at least 2 lorry loads of paddy as daily arrivals are more than 5,000 bags. Heavy arrivals lead to competitive bidding which ultimately benefit farmers.” 

“Only strict action will ensure that the farmers plight is resolved,” the official said.