Latest news with #PaddyReceiptSheets
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Upper Kuttanad farmers to boycott upcoming paddy season over payment delays
Frustrated by prolonged delays in receiving payments for procured paddy, farmers in Upper Kuttanad are preparing to intensify their protest. As part of it, farmers from the M.N. Block paddy fields in Kumarakom have resolved to boycott paddy cultivation for the upcoming puncha season. The M.N. Block Padashekhara Samiti, which oversees cultivation across 1,300 acres, announced the decision after repeated discussions with Supplyco failed to yield any progress regarding the disbursement of pending payments. The M.N. Block is among the largest paddy-growing regions in the district, covering areas under the Kumarakom and Thiruvarppu Krishi Bhavans and comprising five group farming committees. In addition to the payment crisis, the Samiti has flagged several other pressing issues that have contributed to their decision including the failure to provide quality seeds on time, the absence of price revisions despite rising costs of fertilisers, pesticides and labour and mounting expenses due to stagnant subsidies for water pumping. The Samiti's resolution was formally communicated to relevant authorities, including the Principal Agricultural Officer, said T.K. Sasidharan Thottupuram, General Convener of the Padashekhara Samiti. Reports indicate that ₹89.5 crore remains outstanding to farmers for the paddy procured in the season that ended in May. Of this, only ₹27.6 crore has been disbursed so far. Supplyco issues payments as loans against Paddy Receipt Sheets (PRS), which serve as the official confirmation of procurement. These PRS-based loans function as the farmers' actual payment, and the current delays are severely hampering preparations for the upcoming puncha season across Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad. For many farmers, these payments are essential to fund the next cycle of cultivation. M.K. Dileep, Secretary of the Upper Kuttanad Karshika Vikasana Samiti, urged the Centre to immediately release the ₹1,100 crore owed to the State for paddy procurement, instead of citing technicalities to delay it further. 'We also call on the state government to present a dedicated budget for the agricultural sector, rather than allocating funds piecemeal through various departments. Only a separate, sector-specific allocation can effectively address the challenges faced by paddy farmers,' he said.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Paddy growers prepare for stir as banks refuse loans against PRS
With the banks continuing to deny loans against Paddy Receipt Sheets (PRS), paddy farmers across Kuttanad and upper Kuttanad are gearing up to intensify their protests. As per estimates, around 7,000 paddy farmers in Kottayam district alone are awaiting payments for the paddy procured during the current season. The total dues are estimated at approximately ₹81 crore. Minister's assurance Despite assurances from Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil that the PRS payment issue will be resolved, farmers say banks are still refusing to accept their receipts. While the State Bank of India (SBI) is accepting PRS, it has only sanctioned loans against sheets dated up to March 31. Meanwhile, Canara Bank has reportedly withdrawn from the scheme altogether, allegedly demanding a hike in interest rates. 'Farmers have been waiting for their payments for over a month. Canara Bank has not accepted a single PRS this season. This is the first time a bank has completely opted out of the scheme,' said V.J. Lally, patron of the Nelkarshaka Samrakshana Samithi, a collective of paddy farmers. PRS loans effectively serve as advance payments for paddy procured by the government. The delay in issuing these loans is severely affecting preparations for the next cultivation cycle in the region. Although authorities had earlier proposed involving Kerala Bank in the PRS loan scheme, no action has followed in this direction. Taking note of the mounting crisis, the Kerala Congress has announced an indefinite protest. Party chairman P.J. Joseph has urged the State government to immediately release ₹100 crore as payment for paddy collected from various padasekharams (polder networks) in Upper Kuttanad. 'This prolonged delay is pushing farmers into deep distress. It's high time the State and Central governments implement practical and lasting solutions to the recurring crises in paddy procurement and stock reservation,' Mr. Joseph said.
