Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Urges PM Modi to Double Rice Procurement Target
In a significant move aimed at supporting the state's agricultural sector, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The letter, dispatched on Saturday, requests the doubling of the state's rice procurement target for the ongoing kharif season. Specifically, Stalin has asked for the target to be increased from the current 16 lakh tonnes to 32 lakh tonnes.
Reasons Behind the Request
The chief minister cited a sharp rise in paddy yield as the primary reason for this appeal. He emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted procurement operations and timely payments to farmers, which are crucial for their financial stability and motivation. Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu cultivated paddy on an impressive 20.50 lakh hectares during this season. The excellent yield is attributed to several favorable factors, including the timely release of water from the Mettur dam, conducive weather conditions, improved irrigation facilities, expanded acreage, and the widespread adoption of high-yield crop varieties.
Historical Context and Current Procurement Data
Stalin recalled that he had previously written to the Prime Minister on November 17 last year, advocating for procurement targets to be aligned with the state's actual production levels. Recent data supports his stance. As of March 12, the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd have already procured 36.63 lakh tonnes of paddy. This marks a substantial increase from the 24.17 lakh tonnes procured during the same period last year, far exceeding the Centre's current cap of 16 lakh tonnes.
Ongoing Procurement and Future Projections
Procurement activities are continuing robustly, with an average daily rate of around 50,000 tonnes. Based on this pace, projections indicate that the total procurement for the season could reach 47.50 lakh tonnes of paddy. When converted, this is equivalent to approximately 32 lakh tonnes of rice. Stalin has urged the Centre to issue priority instructions to revise the procurement target upward. This adjustment is deemed essential to prevent any disruptions that could adversely affect farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their produce without delays.
The chief minister's appeal underscores the state's commitment to agricultural prosperity and farmer welfare, leveraging improved yields and efficient procurement systems to bolster the rural economy.
