In a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has exposed what he calls a catastrophic failure in paddy procurement that has left thousands of Tamil Nadu farmers in financial distress.
Broken Promises, Broken Farmers
During a recent press interaction in Coimbatore, Ramadoss revealed shocking statistics about the government's procurement performance. "While the DMK proudly claims to have purchased 51 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, the reality is starkly different," the PMK president stated.
The Numbers Don't Add Up
According to Ramadoss's allegations, the actual procurement stands at a mere 35 lakh metric tonnes for the 2023-24 season. This represents a staggering shortfall that has direct consequences for the agricultural community.
Financial Impact on Farmers
The procurement failure has created a ripple effect of financial hardship:
- Thousands of farmers awaiting payments for their produce
- Many forced to sell paddy to private buyers at lower prices
- Growing debt burden among agricultural communities
- Erosion of trust in government support systems
Direct Center Payments: A Partial Solution?
Ramadoss highlighted that while the central government directly transfers ₹2,060 per quintal to farmers' accounts, the state government's additional ₹70 incentive has failed to reach many beneficiaries. This gap in support has exacerbated the financial pressure on farming families.
Political Implications
The timing of these revelations is significant, coming amid ongoing political tensions in Tamil Nadu. Ramadoss didn't mince words, directly challenging the DMK's credibility on agricultural issues and questioning their commitment to farmer welfare.
As the debate intensifies, the farming community watches closely, hoping for resolution and fair compensation for their hard work and investment.
