Farmers concerned over slow pace of paddy procurement

Paddy farmers in the district have expressed disappointment after the government failed to fulfil its assurance that the second crop would be procured through cooperative societies. The pilot initiative did not take off as no cooperative institutions came forward to procure paddy and make direct payments to farmers without a clear government guarantee.

“The government’s assurance that paddy procurement in Palakkad district would be carried out through cooperative societies has completely failed. The proposal that Kerala Bank would provide funds to cooperative societies for procurement did not materialise as the bank insisted on a proper government guarantee and clearance of pending dues,” said Desiya Karshaka Samajam (DKS) president Muthalamthodu Mani.