The system would benefit only ‘big’ farmers – those who have a stock of 1,000 sacks of paddy with 40 kg each.
NAGAPATTINAM: District Collector A Arun Thamburaj on Tuesday flagged off the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation’s (TNCSC) mobile procurement system truck in Nagapattinam. The trucks would reach the farmer’s place directly and procure crops on the spot. This eliminates travel and transportation charges on selling produce at DPCs. However, according to TNCSC, the system would benefit only ‘big’ farmers – those who have a stock of 1,000 sacks of paddy with 40 kg each.
As many as 16 trucks would be operated in four taluks, with four trucks in each taluk. Each truck would have a quality control officer to measure the moisture percentage. A winnowing machine would also be available in the truck. So far, about 1,40,000 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured in the ongoing kuruvai season in the district; 60,000 metric tonnes more are expected to be procured. The system is expected to ease the process.
P Pandiyan, TNCSC Senior Regional Manager said, “Farmers can book the sale through the truck either online or at office. They should produce Aadhaar card, land documents and bank account details while making the booking or selling the crop. The bill will given right after procurement and payment will be made in a couple of days.”
R Ramadoss, the district secretary of Thamizhaga Kaviri Vivasayigal Sangam, said, “A group of small farmers can gather and make a combined booking for procurement on a spot. Thus, the mobile procurement system could remain efficient and beneficial to the small, marginal and tenant farmers. TNCSC and Nagapattinam district administration should arrange this provision as well.”