In a significant move to bolster agricultural support during the peak harvest period, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi inaugurated a new temporary direct procurement centre (DPC) near Thiruverumbur in Trichy on Thursday. The centre is specifically designed for the procurement of samba paddy, marking a crucial step in the government's efforts to facilitate smooth transactions for local farmers.
Enhancing Procurement Infrastructure in Trichy
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Anbil Mahesh emphasized the critical need for maintaining a seamless and efficient procurement process across all centres. He highlighted that such initiatives are vital for ensuring that farmers receive timely payments and support, thereby strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in the region.
Current Procurement Landscape in the District
According to officials from the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC), Trichy district currently operates a total of 96 direct procurement centres. Out of these, five centres—located at Viragalur, Arangur, Sooriyur, Erakudi, and Vairichettipalayam—are permanent facilities. The remaining 91 centres are temporary, functioning exclusively during the harvest season to directly purchase paddy from farmers.
The newly inaugurated centre at Gundoor near Thiruvalarchipatti is the 91st temporary DPC in the district. The event saw active participation from local farmers and TNCSC officials, underscoring the collaborative approach towards agricultural procurement.
Operational Guidelines and Harvest Details
Minister Anbil Mahesh issued clear instructions to officials, stressing the importance of maintaining a consistent and uninterrupted flow of procurement at every centre. He directed them to ensure that the procured paddy is promptly transported to designated warehouses, minimizing delays and logistical hurdles.
Harvesting of samba and thaladi crops commenced in the third week of January in Trichy district. This year, these crops are cultivated across approximately 53,000 hectares, with about 8,000 hectares already harvested. Farmers have the option to sell their produce at government-run DPCs or to private traders, providing them with multiple avenues for market access.
Procurement Progress and Future Plans
Since the procurement process began a week ago, TNCSC has successfully purchased around 1,575 tonnes of paddy through its 96 centres. K Kumaravel, the regional manager of TNCSC, reported that the DPCs are currently handling approximately 1,000 bags of paddy daily. The centres are expected to remain operational until April to ensure the completion of the procurement cycle.
To address potential issues and maintain transparency, dedicated squads have been constituted to promptly investigate and resolve any complaints from farmers regarding corruption or bribery. This proactive measure aims to foster trust and efficiency in the procurement system, ultimately benefiting the farming community.
The inauguration of the new temporary DPC in Trichy reflects the government's ongoing commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural procurement mechanisms during the critical harvest season.
