Procurement delays hurt Kottayam farmers as rains approach

In Kottayam, the ongoing issues with paddy procurement are becoming a major concern as summer rains are starting to arrive. While some areas have begun to see procurement, many farmers have hundreds of tonnes of harvested paddy still in their fields. Officials report that only about 7,000 tonnes has been procured out of a target of 47,000 tonnes for this season. Farmers have completed harvesting in over half of the polder networks, but they are facing tough negotiations with rice millers who are pressuring them to accept lower prices. This delay in procurement is causing financial strain for farmers and could disrupt the next planting season. The increased moisture from unseasonal rains is making farmers worry that mills will demand even steeper concessions. Currently, 52 mills have contracts with the government, but only about 15 are actively interested in procuring paddy from Kottayam. The paddy in the region has been reported to have high moisture levels and discoloration, which affects its quality and market value. An official has pointed out that the paddy's quality is below government standards, resulting in lower rice yields than expected. The situation has also sparked political reactions, with opposition parties protesting and accusing the State government of ignoring farmer issues. The All Kerala Catholic Congress has also called on the government to step in and help speed up the procurement process to alleviate farmers' distress.