Palakkad: Private mill owners have taken a resolute stance against cooperating with the state government’s paddy procurement initiatives. Their decision is grounded in the government’s failure to uphold the commitments made to the mill owners. Despite assurances, the government has not taken substantial steps to procure paddy within the state.
As per the instructions of the Chief Minister, discussions on the matter had been held by department ministers. Private mill owners have previously stockpiled paddy based on government assurances. But the mill owners have now articulated their refusal to continue participating in procurement activities due to the government’s failure to fulfil the assurances made in previous agreements. They added that the government has no sincerity.
The primary demands put forth by mill owners include an increase in the operating cost and an elevation of the outturn ratio to 64.5 percent. The refusal of private mill owners to sign new agreements presents a significant challenge for rice farmers in the state. Currently, farmers are selling paddy in the open market at prices ranging from Rs 17 to 18.
Comments