Kerala Congress seeks legislation to eliminate paddy middlemen

The Kerala Congress (M) is calling for state legislation to eliminate middlemen in paddy procurement. This comes amid disputes between farmers and millers that threaten the procurement process in Kuttanad. KC(M) chairman Jose K. Mani criticized agents for setting unfair concession rates and mistreating farmers. He highlighted the challenges farmers face due to extreme weather and financial pressures. The party plans to address these issues with the Left Democratic Front and advocate for a direct procurement process that excludes unlicensed middlemen.