Farmers of Chengalpattu have urged the government to open direct procurement centres (DPCs) for the Swarnavari (or Sornavari) paddy season, which is almost nearing completion. Around 13,500 hectares are under cultivation this year under Swarnavari in the district. Seeds are sown for Swarnavari in April and harvest happens in August - September.
R. Muralimohan of the Chengalpattu District Farmers Association said many farmers have harvested their crop and were worried about it getting wet and thereby losing colour. “Farmers will have to dry the paddy again. If there is increased moisture in the paddy, it will lead to farmers having to sell to traders. There is a backlog of about a month. Eight DPCs have to be opened in and around Padalam with each one usually taking in about 1,000 bags per day,” he said.
