Kuruvai procurement crosses 83% of target in delta districts

The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) has achieved 83% of its kuruvai paddy procurement target across the core Cauvery delta districts with operations progressing steadily despite intermittent rain and logistical constraints.

According to data from official sources of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) in the four delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam, about 6.66 lakh tonnes of paddy against a combined target of 8.05 lakh has been procured.

The procurement touched 2.09 lakh tonnes in Thanjavur and is expected to reach 2.6 lakh tonnes, nearly double last year’s figure of 1.28 lakh tonnes (2024). Tiruvarur has reported procurement of 2.40 lakh tonnes out of the target of 2.80 lakh tonnes — almost three times its 2024 total of 93,000 tonnes. Mayiladuthurai has achieved 1.22 lakh tonnes of its 1.35 lakh tonnes target, nearly twice last year’s 62,404 tonnes. Nagapattinam, where harvesting began later, has logged 93,811 tonnes of its 1.30 lakh tonnes target, already far exceeding the 5,800 tonnes procured during Kuruvai in 2024.

Procurement has been fastest in the borewell-fed upper delta, where harvest began early. However, the recent northeast monsoon has hampered the late-harvest phase in parts of Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur, leaving moisture-laden paddy vulnerable to spoilage. Official sources said coordinated efforts between the Agriculture, TNCSC and Revenue departments are underway to ensure smooth movement of stocks despite the weather.

“In several districts, daily inspections are being conducted by District Collectors to monitor progress and resolve ground-level issues. Adequate staff, load men and other support personnel have been mobilised to maintain procurement momentum,” a senior official said. “Taluk-level review meetings are held every day to track despatch and address operational delays. Officials described this year’s production as the highest in recent decades, attributing it to early water release from Mettur dam, continuous operation of direct procurement centres (DPCs), and better coordination in transport and milling schedules.

“Procurement has been progressing without interruption across all centres. The next two weeks will see the completion of remaining stock movement, particularly in Nagapattinam and parts of Tiruvarur,” said a senior TNCSC official.