Mon Apr 07 13:20:05 UTC 2025: ## Supplyco’s Alappuzha Paddy Procurement Faces Challenges Despite Progress

**Alappuzha, Kerala, April 7, 2025** – The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) has procured 73,452.07 tonnes of paddy worth ₹207.13 crore from Alappuzha farmers during the current puncha crop season, despite facing several hurdles. While 69.87% of the cultivated area has been harvested, issues persist, particularly in Kuttanad.

Farmers report that mill agents are demanding significant discounts (up to 7 kg per quintal) due to perceived quality issues like discolouration and high moisture content. This has resulted in harvested paddy being left uncollected in several areas, leaving farmers vulnerable to the ongoing summer rains. The Agriculture Department has deployed rapid response teams to address these procurement problems.

Supplyco aims to procure a total of 1,28,357.94 tonnes of paddy from the district by the end of May. The agency purchases paddy at ₹28.20 per kilogram, incorporating the central government’s minimum support price and a state incentive bonus. Payments to farmers have commenced.

High salinity levels in water bodies have negatively impacted paddy yields in some areas. Despite these challenges, Supplyco remains committed to completing procurement by May.

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