Union govt plans direct paddy procurement in Kerala via NCCF

Procurement to begin in select areas of Palakkad & Thrissur; 50K tonnes target in first phase

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Palakkad

In a major policy shift, the Central government is learnt to be preparing to initiate direct paddy procurement from farmers in Kerala through the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF), effectively bypassing the state's existing procurement framework led by Supplyco.

The move, currently in its feasibility stage, was confirmed after a team led by NCCF managing director Anees Joseph Chandra visited Palakkad and conducted discussions with farmers from both Palakkad and Thrissur districts.

The team collected consent letters from over 500 farmers across five panchayats, signalling the Centre's intent to establish an alternative procurement system in the state.

According to sources, the procurement will begin in select areas of Palakkad and Thrissur, with a target of collecting 50,000 tonnes of paddy in the first phase.

Farmers have been promised payment within seven days of procurement, with a full settlement guaranteed within fifteen days.

At present, paddy procurement in Kerala is managed by Supplyco, which offers farmers ₹28.20 per kg, including a ₹5.20 per kg contribution from the state government.