AIADMK leader and former Minister R. Kamaraj on Friday criticised the DMK government over the alleged failure in procurement of paddy from farmers, who have been affected by the recent heavy rains in the Cauvery delta region.
In a statement, Mr. Kamaraj charged that about 35% of kuruvai cultivation in the Cauvery delta region has been affected and could not be harvested due to the rainfall. He criticised the government for alleged inaction to procure paddy much in advance, in view of the weather forecast.
“Only if the paddy bags are moved from the direct procurement centres to the warehouses and only if paddy kept in store in other centres is procured, more paddy could be harvested for procurement,” Mr. Kamaraj contended.
Citing media reports that teams have been constituted to visit the State for a field inspection over request for relaxing norms for paddy procurement, the former Minister demanded State government’s action in this regard.
“Paddy that has not been procured and paddy that has sprouted should be calculated and compensation granted to farmers,” Mr. Kamaraj said. He also urged the government to depute officials to ascertain the damage faced by farmers over standing crops.
Criticising the recent visit of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Ministers for Agriculture and Food to the Delta region, Mr. Kamaraj said procuring paddy and sending them by trains to neighbouring districts, was only a routine affair and contended that 4,000 tonnes was a meagre quantity.
Published – October 24, 2025 11:34 pm IST
