The Central government has sent three inspection teams to Tamil Nadu to check the quality of paddy affected by rain. Heavy rainfall in the delta region has increased the moisture level in the harvested paddy.Normally, the paddy moisture level allowed is 17%. Due to rain, many farmers now have paddy with 20% to 22% moisture. The Tamil Nadu government asked the Centre to relax the moisture rule so farmers do not suffer losses.
The teams will collect samples from different districts and test them in FCI laboratories. Their findings will be sent to the Food and Public Distribution Department in Delhi.
Based on this report, the Centre will decide whether to relax the moisture norms and allow procurement of this rain-affected paddy.