Farmers Raise Concerns Over Irregularities at Direct Purchase Centres in Madurai District

Madurai, February 21, 2025 – A farmers’ grievance redressal meeting held at the Madurai Collectorate on Friday witnessed several complaints from local farmers regarding the functioning of Direct Purchase Centres (DPC) in the district.

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Farmers voiced their concerns over corrupt practices at the DPCs, citing issues such as exorbitant handling charges that were being levied at the centres. In addition to this, several farmers reported that paddy from outside the district was being accepted at the DPCs, distorting the true local yield. This, they argued, had led to their struggles being overlooked, as the inclusion of outside paddy affected the official assessment of crop yield, preventing them from receiving compensation for their own losses due to poor harvests.

The farmers requested the formation of a monitoring committee to address the alleged irregularities and to ensure that action is taken against those involved in such practices. Collector M.S. Sangeetha, who chaired the meeting, assured the farmers that their concerns would be investigated thoroughly.

Another matter raised during the meeting was the ongoing debate over the SIPCOT project in Madurai. While a section of farmers from Melur had previously expressed their opposition to the project, others in attendance indicated their support, citing the potential development it could bring to the region.

Additionally, the farmers brought up the issue of seed availability, particularly for traditional mochai beans, which are used in cultural events. They requested that the authorities ensure the seeds be made available to meet these needs. The officials present acknowledged the request and pledged to take necessary action.

Encroachments on agricultural land also featured prominently in the discussions. Farmers reported that their fields were being encroached upon, and they urged the authorities to intervene and resolve the issue.

The Collector assured all parties that their concerns would be carefully reviewed, and appropriate steps would be taken to address the problems raised at the meeting.

The session concluded with the promise of follow-up actions to alleviate the challenges faced by the farming community in the district.