Green gram procurement target increased in Mayiladuthurai following farmers’ demand

Following persistent appeals from cultivators, the State government had increased the procurement target for green gram (pachai payaru) in Mayiladuthurai district under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), enabling farmers to sell their produce at ₹86.82 a kg well above the prevailing market rate of ₹60 to ₹65 a kg.

The procurement is carried out through regulated procurement centres in Mayiladuthurai, Kuthalam, Sembanarkoil, and Sirkazhi, operating under the Nagapattinam Marketing Committee. Initially, the district had been sanctioned 390 tonnes. With that quota fulfilled, an additional 1,092 tonnes had been allocated in response to local demand.

Of this revised target, Sembanarkoil will handle 425 tonnes, Kuthalam 222 tonnes, Mayiladuthurai 238 tonnes, and Sirkazhi 207 tonnes. The procurement is based on an average of 384 kg per hectare or 155 kg per acre and will continue until June 29.

District Collector H.S. Srikanth urged farmers to ensure their green gram meets the quality standards prescribed by the Central agency NAFED, which is facilitating the procurement. Eligible produce must contain no more than 2% foreign matter, 3% other crop seeds, 3% severely damaged grains, 4% slightly damaged grains, 3% immature grains, 4% insect or pest-damaged grains, and should have a moisture content of 12% or less.

The State government is implementing the scheme in collaboration with NAFED to ensure that farmers receive remunerative prices and income security.  

Published - June 07, 2025 08:47 pm IST