In preparation for the upcoming Swarnavaripaddy harvest, Tiruvallur district in Chennai has launched 17 direct procurement centers (DPCs) to aid farmers. With an estimated yield of 1.67 lakh tonnes of medium slender and mota (thick) rice varieties from 25,203 hectares of land, approximately 50,000 tonnes are expected to be directed to the DPCs.
District Collector Alby John Varghese revealed that an equivalent amount would be retained by farmers for personal use, while another 50,000 tonnes would be sold to private buyers. The DPCs are being set up on government properties, using e-seva maiyyams, regulated marketing committee godowns, and community centers for storage.
Farmers are set to receive ₹21.60 per kilogram for fine varieties and ₹21.5 per kilogram for the mota variety, based on last year’s rates, as fresh rates for the upcoming harvest year are pending announcement by the Central government.