Mobile DPCs to start functioning soon in Delta, says Radhakrishnan

TIRUCHY: Mobile DPCs would soon be introduced across the Delta region based on requirement, which would curb the middle men menace in procurement process, said J Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary for Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection in Mayiladuthurai on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting PDS outlets and procurement process at DPCs, Dr Radhakrishnan said, the government is keen on curbing middle men in the procurement process. Usually, the government has been providing Rs 2,160 per quintal of fine variety of paddy and Rs 2,115 per quintal of ordinary variety. “But these traders, who approach the farmers in their respective fields, reportedly procure it for Rs 1,500 and 1,400 and sell them at the government DPCs for higher profit. So, to resolve this problem of farmers, the government has decided to introduce mobile DPCs which will come straight to the fields and procure paddy,” Radhakrishnan said.

Meanwhile, farmers have already requested for transport facilities to move their produce to the DPCs. Since there is a shortage of vehicles, farmers had volunteered to use their tractors for transportation and the government would decide on the transport fare, he said.

Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary assured farmers to provide adequate fertilizer. “Out of the total beneficiaries of the Kuruvai package, as many as 400 farmers are yet to receive them and they will soon get it,” he assured.