Farmers Demand Pending Payments for Paddy Procurement

Speedy Summary

• Paddy farmers in Palakkad, Kerala, have urged teh State government to expedite payment for paddy procurement from the second crop season.
• Farmers claim that delays in payment may lead to a reduction in paddy cultivation across the State.
• 33,327 farmers have not been paid for paddy procured three months ago; ₹243.94 crore is owed by the government.
• Rashtriya Kisan Maha Sangh (RKMS) representatives say there is inefficiency and apathy in planning paddy procurement, citing delayed actions by Supplyco and delayed issuance of Paddy Receipt Sheets (PRS).
• RKMS vice-chairman Muthalamthodu Mani warned that Kerala’s cultivated area for paddy could shrink further if these issues persist-it has already declined from 8.75 lakh hectares during 1975-80 to approximately 1.75-2 lakh hectares now.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recurring delays in payments highlight systemic inefficiencies within Kerala’s paddy procurement program-a scheme critical for safeguarding food security and supporting local agriculture. If unresolved, this issue risks undermining farmer confidence and further shrinking Kerala’s already declining agricultural land under paddy cultivation.Policymakers must address operational lapses urgently to ensure timely compensation for farmers while implementing reforms that enhance efficiency throughout the procurement chain.

Delayed payments also signal potential broader issues within agriculture financing and government agency coordination-Supplyco’s inability to meet timelines reflects deep-rooted problems requiring immediate intervention to preserve livelihoods dependent on farming. Failure here could exacerbate rural distress with broader implications on both food self-sufficiency and economic well-being.

Published – July 20, 2025 Read More: Original Source