Surveillance strengthened on paddy movement in Tiruvallur

Tiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha inspecting direct procurement centres.  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Tiruvallur district administration has tightened surveillance on movement of paddy after complaints of bags being brought in by traders to direct procurement centres (DPCs).

Farmers have alleged that traders, including a few from neighbouring States, submit papers belonging to farmers and sell procured paddy.

“This, we hear is happening in Ponneri and Uthukottai areas. It should not be allowed. Farmers who are in distress seem to be pledging their crops with the traders and then giving the harvested crop to them. As the payment at the DPC may be better, the farmers are giving their adangal and chitta,” said a farmer, who did not want to be named.