15L tonnes target for paddy, one-third quantum procured

Speaking to reporters in Thanjavur, Kamaraj said preparations are under way to procure paddy from the farmers immediately.

“Officials should ensure the procurement process is carried out in a proper and hassle-free manner,” he said.

Stating that the government has fixed a target of procuring 15 lakh tonnes of paddy through the Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) in 2018-19, the minister said 5.17 lakh tonnes have been procured so far.

The government has so far disbursed a total of Rs 32 crore to farmers as incentive, which is over and above the MSP fixed by the Central government, Kamaraj said, adding that the farmers are being paid through electronic clearing service (ECS).

Kamaraj asked the officials to ensure that were no complaints from the farmers. If there are any irregularities, action would be taken against the officials concerned after an inquiry, he added.

Responding to a question about shortage of gunny bags in the procurement centres, the minister, who refuted the claim, said around 50 lakh gunny bags have been stocked in Thanjavur district alone.

“More than 1.25 crore bags are kept in the three delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam,” he said.

District collectors have also been instructed to open DPCs at new locations based on the demand placed by the farmers as well as the elected representatives.

Earlier speaking to reporters in Tiruvarur, Kamaraj said arrangements have been made to hull the paddy at the Sundarakkottai Modern Rice Mill in Tiruvarur. The same would be done through the registered hulling agents throughout the State.

The procured paddy would be moved from Tiruvarur, Needamangalam and Peralam to various parts of the State by rail.

Responding to a demand by elected representatives for relaxing the moisture norm for the paddy procured from 17 to 20 per cent, the minister said it would be considered by the government.