MADURAI: Farmers from Chellampatti raised concerns on Friday over a 20-day delay in paddy procurement, which they attributed to incorrect harvest data reportedly released by the agriculture department and delays in issuing adangals.
During a farmers’ grievance redressal meeting, they also urged the district administration to ensure the timely opening of Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) in Madurai.
Speaking to TNIE, farmer Manavala Kannan reportedly held agriculture department officials and the local Village Administrative Officer (VAO) responsible for the delay. However, District Collector M S Sangeetha clarified that DPCs were being opened in accordance with harvest reports.
At the same meeting, farmers’ representative C Palanisamy raised concerns about the impact of the closure of the cooperative sugar mill in Alanganallur.
He claimed that private mills are now registering farmers who were previously aligned with the cooperative mill, which could jeopardize its future. He added that a delegation plans to meet the Chief Minister on June 28 to request the reopening of the Alanganallur mill.
Additionally, S Mani, a farmer from Kottampatti, called on the administration to crack down on illegal stone quarries and crusher units operating in the area.
In response, the collector said action would be based on findings from a recent drone survey conducted by the mines department in Kottampatti and Vadipatti. She also noted that inspections are underway at various quarry sites.
Farmers also asked the Water Resources Department to curb excessive savudu sand mining from waterbodies, warning that it could disrupt natural water flow. Officials assured them that appropriate measures would be taken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Concepts
What is Paddy Procurement?
Paddy procurement refers to the government’s purchase of harvested paddy (unhusked rice) from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP). It is done primarily through Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) to ensure farmers get a fair price and to maintain food security through buffer stocks. Delays in procurement can result in distress sales or storage issues for farmers.
What are Adangals and why are they important?
Adangals are official land ownership and cultivation records maintained by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Tamil Nadu. These documents are essential for farmers to prove crop cultivation and access benefits like procurement, subsidies, or compensation. Delays in issuing adangals can stall government support services.
What is the role of the Village Administrative Officer (VAO)?
A VAO is a local government official in Tamil Nadu responsible for maintaining land records, verifying farming activities, issuing adangals, and assisting in disaster assessments. In this context, the VAO plays a crucial role in facilitating paddy procurement, and lapses in their duties can impact farmers directly.
What are Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs)?
DPCs are government-run centres where farmers sell paddy directly to the state without middlemen. The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation manages these centres during harvest seasons. Their timely operation is vital for efficient procurement, especially during peak harvest months.
What is the significance of cooperative sugar mills in Tamil Nadu?
Cooperative sugar mills are farmer-owned processing units supported by the state. They provide fair pricing and stable contracts to sugarcane farmers. The closure of such mills, like the one in Alanganallur, forces farmers to deal with private mills, which may offer less favorable terms, impacting rural livelihoods.
What is the Mines Department drone survey?
In 2025, Tamil Nadu’s Mines Department began using drone surveys to monitor illegal mining activities, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like Kottampatti and Vadipatti. These aerial inspections help gather real-time data on unauthorized quarrying and sand mining, enabling stricter enforcement.
What is savudu sand and why is it regulated?
Savudu sand is a type of soft clay or alluvial soil extracted from riverbeds and tanks, often used in brickmaking and construction. Excessive or unregulated mining of savudu can disrupt water flow, damage aquatic ecosystems, and cause water scarcity, prompting calls for tighter control.
How do agriculture-related delays affect the rural economy?
Delays in crop procurement, issuance of land documents, or access to mills can lead to income loss, indebtedness, and distress migration among farmers. In 2025, as climate uncertainty and inflation persist, efficient agricultural administration is more critical than ever for rural stability.
What is the role of farmer grievance redressal meetings?
These are periodic district-level forums where farmers present their issues to government officials, including the district collector. Grievances typically include delays in procurement, irrigation concerns, or market access. Such meetings are a key part of decentralized governance in Indian agriculture.
Why is farmer registration with mills important?
Farmer registration determines which mill processes their sugarcane and sets the basis for pricing, subsidies, and transportation. In the case of Alanganallur, private mills registering former cooperative members could weaken the cooperative sector and shift bargaining power away from farmers.
