Agriculture Minister ramps up storage capacity as Kumbakonam paddy procurement surges

With the Kuruvai season harvest in full swing, state authorities are scrambling to expand open-air facilities to prevent post-harvest losses.

Strengthening Infrastructure

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth conducted a series of surprise inspections across the Kumbakonam municipality zone this Sunday, focusing on the logistical readiness of paddy procurement and storage operations. With the summer Kuruvai season expected to yield approximately three lakh tonnes of grain, the Minister reviewed current infrastructure at the Patteeswaram Open Air Storage Centre, the Kumbakonam (Kottaiyur) Regulated Market, and the Solzan Malligai Direct Paddy Procurement Centre (DPC).

During the visit, officials reported that the Patteeswaram facility, which boasts a 30,000-tonne capacity, is already holding 25,000 tonnes. Recognizing the mounting pressure on existing sites, the Minister directed officials to prepare 50 acres of municipality-owned land at Krishnapuram village as an urgent additional open-air storage site. This move aims to mitigate potential overflow as the procurement cycle accelerates.

Mitigating Rain Risks

Addressing concerns regarding the vulnerability of harvested grain to weather fluctuations, the Minister instructed local officials to ensure a robust supply of tarpaulins at every procurement centre. He emphasized the necessity of keeping adequate labour on standby, ready to cover paddy stacks at a moment's notice should rainfall occur. The visit underscored the state’s proactive stance on minimizing grain loss, a recurring challenge during the monsoon-prone harvest months.

Beyond immediate logistics, the Minister pushed for long-term infrastructure improvements. He directed staff to expedite the land acquisition process for a permanent storage godown at Thandanthotam, which would provide a more secure, climate-controlled environment than current open-air arrangements.

Improving Farmer Access

The inspection also highlighted technical bottlenecks currently hindering the procurement process. Minister Vinoth specifically called for an immediate resolution to software issues that have been preventing first-time sellers from registering their crops. He reminded officials that farmers must be able to sell their produce without undue delay or bureaucratic friction.

These measures come at a critical time for the region's agricultural economy. By ensuring that procurement centres are adequately staffed and technically equipped, the government aims to stabilise the supply chain for local farmers, ensuring they receive timely support for their yield during this high-volume season.