Paddy Procurement Politics: Tamil Nadu's Grain Game

Tamil Nadu's Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, R. Sakkarapani, refutes AIADMK's accusations about inadequate paddy procurement. He asserts that current procurement under DMK surpasses the previous AIADMK regime. The minister challenges opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami's claims and highlights efforts to support farmers amidst challenging weather conditions.

Tamil Nadu's Food and Civil Supplies Minister, R. Sakkarapani, has dismissed allegations from the opposition AIADMK regarding minimal paddy procurement as false. He stated that the current state government procured 1.96 crore metric tonnes of paddy, surpassing the previous administration's totals over the past 54 months.

Sakkarapani criticized AIADMK general secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accusing him of circulating misinformation about the procurement process. According to Sakkarapani, during AIADMK's decade-long governance, only 1.80 crore metric tonnes were procured, whereas 1.96 crore have been secured since DMK's rise to power in 2021.

Furthermore, Sakkarapani emphasized ongoing efforts to procure paddy at 183 centers, even on Sundays, and at higher rates than before. He challenged Palaniswami's claims about procurement delays, suggesting they contribute to misunderstandings among farmers dealing with rain-damaged crops.