Hon @PMOIndia, Due to the proactive & timely initiatives taken by the TN Govt, the Kuruvai paddy harvest is expected to commence from the...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the Union government to advance paddy procurement operations to September 2022. Stalin explained that timely water release from Mettur Dam and proactive agricultural support schemes implemented by the state government enabled delta farmers to cultivate Kuruvai crops ahead of schedule. As a result, paddy harvesting across the Cauvery delta region is projected to commence by the final week of August.

The Chief Minister stressed that advancing procurement by one month will allow cultivators to sell their produce directly at direct purchase centers without falling prey to private traders. Stalin noted that starting procurement early ensures farmers immediately realize the benefit of the increased Minimum Support Price announced by the central government. Without an early opening of purchase stations, early harvested paddy faces risk of moisture damage from unexpected autumnal rains.

Stalin urged the Prime Minister to issue immediate instructions to the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the Food Corporation of India. He affirmed that coordinating procurement schedules with ground agricultural realities is essential to protect agrarian livelihoods and sustain food security across Tamil Nadu.