Madurai: Farmers from Vellalur in Madurai submitted a petition to the Madurai district collector on Monday, alleging that the procurement centres were charging exorbitant rates for loading their paddy.
The petition submitted by Vellalur branch of the Tamil Nadu Farmers association, stated that paddy was being procured from their village by government-appointed procurement centres.
Last year, the workers at the procurement centre demanded Rs 42 for loading a 41-kilogram bag of paddy.
This was opposed by the farmers. K M Manickam, a farmer, said that last year they had demanded that the loading cost be brought down to Rs 30 and after negotiations it was fixed at Rs 38.
The farmers had hoped that the same would continue this year, but when procurement began on Feb 8, they were asked to pay Rs 47 for a 41-kilogram bag, which was way too expensive.
“It is known that agriculture is no more profitable, and farmers are facing high debts and many of them are being driven to commit suicide. The situation is already bad and now increased in the procurement cost has made things worse for us,’’ he said.
He said that the price should be fixed at Rs 30 and that the district administration should take the initiative for the same.
The petition submitted by Vellalur branch of the Tamil Nadu Farmers association, stated that paddy was being procured from their village by government-appointed procurement centres.
Last year, the workers at the procurement centre demanded Rs 42 for loading a 41-kilogram bag of paddy.
This was opposed by the farmers. K M Manickam, a farmer, said that last year they had demanded that the loading cost be brought down to Rs 30 and after negotiations it was fixed at Rs 38.
The farmers had hoped that the same would continue this year, but when procurement began on Feb 8, they were asked to pay Rs 47 for a 41-kilogram bag, which was way too expensive.
“It is known that agriculture is no more profitable, and farmers are facing high debts and many of them are being driven to commit suicide. The situation is already bad and now increased in the procurement cost has made things worse for us,’’ he said.
He said that the price should be fixed at Rs 30 and that the district administration should take the initiative for the same.
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