Tamil Nadu's Record Paddy Harvest Spurs Urgent Calls for Central Support

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to adjust rice procurement targets to reflect actual production levels in the state. Stalin's request aims to assist paddy farmers amid a record-breaking harvest season, highlighting the urgent need for central support and revised guidelines.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has made an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking support to align the state's rice procurement targets with actual production levels for the Kharif 2025-2026 season.

Despite assessments by central teams on October 25, formal orders to relax the moisture content standard from 17 to 22 percent have not been issued yet by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Stalin noted. He emphasized the urgency of this measure.

The state's record-breaking paddy production, especially in the Cauvery delta districts, has seen procurement figures soar to a historic 14.11 lakh metric tonnes, prompting Stalin's call for changes in packing and sampling sizes to further aid farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)