Call for Optimal Paddy Pricing in Tamil Nadu
Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss urges the Tamil Nadu government to raise the paddy procurement price to Rs 3,500 per quintal. Despite a central hike of Rs 72 per quintal, farmers find it insufficient. Raising state incentives could mitigate the pricing gap without significantly straining the state's budget.
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In a pressing appeal, PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Tamil Nadu government to increase the paddy procurement price to Rs 3,500 per quintal. The Centre's recent directive to increase the price by Rs 72 per quintal is seen as inadequate by farmers who bear the brunt of production costs.
Central government's procurement pricing has been criticized for its minimal increase, a mere 3 percent over last year's rates. States such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have stepped in with substantial incentives to offset the loss faced by farmers. For example, Odisha offers an incentive of Rs 800 per quintal, highlighting the disparity in support.
Dr. Ramadoss emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government's provision of a Rs 1,059 per quintal incentive is financially feasible, costing merely Rs 4,196 crore against the state's Rs 4.50 lakh crore annual budget. This strategic move could ensure farmers receive a fair procurement price, aligning with the demands of the agricultural community.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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