Central team inspects paddy procurement centres in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam to assess moisture levels

A Central committee led by P.K. Singh, Deputy Director, Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI), on Monday inspected direct paddy procurement centres (DPCs) in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts to study moisture levels in freshly harvested paddy following recent northeast monsoon rain.

The visit was prompted by the Tamil Nadu government’s request to the Union government to relax the procurement moisture ceiling from 17% to 22% to prevent distress to farmers whose harvested stocks were soaked in unseasonal rains.

In Mayiladuthurai district, the team inspected DPCs at Kandamangalam, Kizhayi and Palaipalayam, collecting samples for laboratory analysis and interacting with farmers.

They were accompanied by TNCSC Managing Director A. Annadurai, Collector H.S. Srikanth, MP R. Sudha, MLAs S. Rajaakumar and M. Panneerselvam, and senior officials of the Civil Supplies Corporation and Agriculture Department.

The district has nearly completed kuruvai harvesting, with 39,549 ha out of 39,640 ha reaped, and has procured 1.21 lakh tonnes of paddy so far. About 1.10 lakh tonnes have already been transported to mills and warehouses. More than ₹304 crore has been credited directly to 24,900 farmers’ accounts, officials said.

The same team later visited DPCs in Kurichi, Palakkurichi, Thiruvasal and Thalaignayiru villages of Nagapattinam district. TNCSC Managing Director Annadurai and Collector P. Akash accompanied the delegation along with Keelvelur MLA V.P. Nagai Mali and technical officers from Food Corporation of India.

Mr. Akash said the heavy monsoon rain had raised the moisture content of standing and harvested crops, making sun-drying difficult for farmers.

Officials noted the inspections included checks on handling and stacking practices at DPCs and feedback sessions with farmers on field conditions. The exercise was aimed at ensuring that procurement continued smoothly while protecting grain quality during the wet spell.

Officials in both districts said the Central team’s findings would be consolidated with lab results and submitted to the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Until final instructions were issued, procurement was continuing under existing norms with additional monitoring by TNCSC and district administrations.