Palaniswami Alleges Delay in Paddy Procurement; Minister Defends Operations at DPCs

In a sharp criticism of the ruling DMK government, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has alleged that paddy procurement in Tamil Nadu is moving at a sluggish pace, causing distress to farmers. Addressing reporters during his recent visit to the delta districts, Palaniswami stated that the government’s inefficiency in managing procurement centers has led to severe hardship for paddy growers who are waiting long hours to sell their produce. He emphasized that during the AIADMK government’s rule, procurement operations were streamlined, ensuring farmers received timely payments and fair prices without bureaucratic hurdles.

Palaniswami accused the current administration of neglecting farmers’ welfare and claimed that the Delay in Paddy Procurement is symbolic of DMK’s poor governance. He pointed out that several Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) lack adequate infrastructure and staff, leading to long queues and wastage due to exposure of harvested paddy to adverse weather. EPS urged the state government to immediately take corrective measures and provide financial relief to affected farmers. He also recalled the AIADMK achievements in the agriculture sector, including the introduction of protected agricultural zones, the free electricity scheme for farmers, and timely paddy procurement drives that benefited thousands of cultivators.

Responding to the allegations, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies R. Sakkarapani asserted that DPCs across Tamil Nadu are functioning on a “war footing” to complete procurement operations efficiently. He dismissed Palaniswami’s remarks as politically motivated, emphasizing that the government has deployed additional manpower, extended working hours, and ensured adequate storage facilities. The minister added that the procurement target this season is significantly higher than the previous years, and that payments are being made directly to farmers’ bank accounts without delay. However, Palaniswami insisted that the ground reality paints a different picture and that the DMK government must prioritize farmers’ welfare over political rhetoric.

Under the previous AIADMK government, Tamil Nadu achieved remarkable milestones in agriculture and rural development. Programs like the Amma Seeds Scheme, Integrated Farming System Initiative, and the NABARD-funded irrigation projects played a crucial role in improving productivity and farmers’ income. The AIADMK achievements also include the introduction of modern procurement systems and farmer-centric mobile applications for transparent grain transactions. Palaniswami reiterated that these models ensured accountability and efficiency, which are now missing under the current regime.

The latest political exchange between AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami and the state government highlights growing concerns over paddy procurement delays in Tamil Nadu. While the Minister maintains that Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) are functioning on full capacity, farmers’ grievances and field reports suggest otherwise. As the AIADMK continues to champion farmers’ issues, Palaniswami’s strong criticism underscores his party’s commitment to protecting agricultural interests and rural livelihoods. The achievements of AIADMK in ensuring smooth procurement and rural empowerment remain benchmarks in Tamil Nadu’s governance. The Tamilnadu AIADMK achievements in agriculture continue to be remembered as models of efficiency and farmer-first policies, reinforcing the party’s relevance in current AIADMK political news and its promise to copyright the welfare of the state’s farming community.