Background
Paddy Procurement Norms in Focus: Paddy procurement norms in India are guided by quality standards that ensure grain suitability for storage and milling. One of the key criteria is the permissible moisture content, currently set at 17% for procurement under the central pool.
Tamil Nadu recently faced severe rains during the peak harvest period. This caused delays in drying and increased moisture levels in freshly harvested paddy.
Static GK fact: India is the second-largest rice producer globally, and Tamil Nadu is among the leading rice-growing states, with major cultivation in delta districts like Thanjavur and Tiruvarur.
Tamil Nadu’s Request
The Tamil Nadu government requested the Union Government to increase the moisture limit from 17% to 22%. The request aimed to support farmers adversely affected by unseasonal rainfall.
Officials noted that farmers lacked adequate time and sunlight to dry the harvested grains properly. Without relaxation, large quantities of paddy risked rejection at procurement centres.
Central Government Response
The Union Government did not approve the request. It insisted on maintaining procurement standards, ensuring long-term food grain storage quality and preventing post-procurement damage.
The Centre had previously allowed higher moisture limits in exceptional years. However, a 22% limit was considered too high due to increased risks of fungal growth and reduced milling output.
Static GK Tip: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) oversees central pool procurement and enforces fair average quality norms across states.
Impact on Farmers
With unchanged norms, farmers are forced to dry their produce to meet the 17% requirement. Many procurement centres in rural Tamil Nadu lack modern drying infrastructure, creating stress for small and marginal farmers.
Moisture reduction often requires additional labour and time, potentially resulting in distress sales to middlemen at lower prices than Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Role of State Agencies
The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation continues to handle procurement at Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs). The state government has urged flexibility to prevent economic losses in rain-affected districts.
Improved storage and drying mechanisms are essential to strengthen procurement efficiency. The state is expected to review options like mobile dryers and expanded drying yards to avoid future procurement disruptions.
Static GK fact: MSP for paddy is fixed annually by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Union Cabinet.
Way Forward
This situation highlights the need for weather-resilient post-harvest systems. Investments in infrastructure and timely policy interventions can help safeguard farmer incomes during climate uncertainties.
Balancing strict quality norms with ground realities remains crucial. Enhancing coordination between state and central agencies can ensure both food security and farmer welfare goals are met.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Paddy Procurement Norms in Focus:
| Topic | Detail |
| Standard moisture content limit | 17% permissible for paddy procurement |
| Tamil Nadu’s request | Increase limit to 22% due to heavy rains |
| Central decision | No relaxation approved |
| Major affected regions | Delta districts of Tamil Nadu |
| Main procurement authority | FCI with support from TNCSC |
| Why norms matter | Storage quality and milling efficiency |
| Risk to farmers | Rejection or reduced price for high-moisture paddy |
| Post-harvest gap | Lack of drying equipment in DPCs |
| Procurement policy link | MSP eligibility affected by quality norms |
| Key season | Kharif harvesting and marketing period |
