Fri Mar 28 15:58:43 UTC 2025: ## Tiruppur Farmers Demand Increased Paddy Procurement and Pest Control Measures

**Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu – March 28, 2025** – Farmers in Tiruppur district are demanding increased paddy procurement limits and effective measures to combat crop pests, following a grievances redress meeting chaired by District Collector T. Christuraj on Friday.

The main concern raised was the restriction on paddy procurement at Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs), with farmers reporting that they were unable to sell their produce exceeding the 65kg per acre limit. Collector Christuraj intervened, urging the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) to increase the procurement limit to 75 bags per acre.

Beyond paddy, farmers also expressed serious concerns about the impact of pests such as the rugose spiralling whitefly and red palm weevil on their coconut crops. They further highlighted the problem of garbage accumulation along the PAP Canal and requested improved garbage management.

Regarding compensation for livestock lost to stray dogs, farmers requested that compensation be provided at market value. While acknowledging the government’s compensation sanction, they expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the Animal Birth Control initiative and urged a meeting between animal rights groups and farmer associations to address the issue of stray dogs.

Water scarcity was another key issue raised, with farmers at the tail-end of the PAP Canal complaining of insufficient water supply for both drinking and irrigation. They appealed to the Water Resources Department to address this issue and stressed the urgent need for timely release of MGNREGA funds to facilitate canal desilting before the scheduled water release.

A total of 140 petitions were submitted to the District Collector during the meeting. The Collector assured farmers that their concerns would be addressed.

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