Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday strongly rebutted AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami’s allegations of inadequate paddy procurement in the delta districts, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.” Speaking to reporters in Thanjavur after overseeing the loading of paddy sacks onto freight trains, Udhayanidhi highlighted the state’s remarkable achievement of procuring 10 lakh tonnes of paddy in just 50 days during the Kuruvai season, a feat he described as “unprecedented in Tamil Nadu’s history.”

Udhayanidhi detailed the government’s efforts, noting that 1,825 paddy procurement centres have been operational across the state since September 1. “Of the 10 lakh tonnes procured, 8 lakh tonnes have already been transported to storage godowns, with the remaining 1.93 lakh tonnes set to be moved within the next 10 days,” he said. He also dismissed claims of insufficient storage, stating, “We have ample space to store an additional 2 lakh tonnes in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, contrary to the opposition’s false narrative.”

Countering Palaniswami’s recent inspection of procurement centres and his claims of reduced activity, Udhayanidhi pointed out significant improvements. “Last year, Thanjavur had only 200 procurement centres during the Kuruvai season. This year, we’ve increased that to 300. Centres like Thenmanadu and Okkur Keelaiyur are handling 3,000 sacks daily, while Orathanadu and Thiruvaiyaru manage 2,000 sacks,” he explained.

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The deputy CM also addressed farmers’ concerns, revealing that the state has urged the central government to relax the permissible moisture content in paddy from 17% to 22%. “The Union government has formed a committee to review this request, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome,” he said. Refuting allegations of transport shortages, he added, “At centres where 20,000 sacks were procured, 16,000 have already been transported by lorries, ensuring smooth operations.”

Accompanied by Ministers R Sakkarapani, K Ponmudi, T R B Rajaa, and Thanjavur District Collector P Priyanka Pankajam, Udhayanidhi’s inspection underscored the government’s commitment to supporting farmers. The deputy CM’s remarks signal a robust defense of the state’s agricultural efforts, positioning the DMK-led government as proactive in addressing farmers’ needs while dismissing opposition criticism as unfounded.

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