Chennai, July 15:
Tamil Nadu Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P. Venkataramanan on Tuesday urged the Union government to substantially enhance the State’s paddy procurement target for the ongoing 2025–26 kharif marketing season and to immediately release ₹541.27 crore in pending rice subsidy dues.
During a meeting in New Delhi with Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, Venkataramanan made a strong case for increased central support, citing the State’s procurement needs and food security commitments.
The Minister requested that Tamil Nadu’s procurement target be raised from the currently sanctioned 16 lakh metric tonnes to 29.79 lakh metric tonnes, stating that the higher allocation was essential to meet demand during the current season.
He also pressed for the immediate release of ₹541.27 crore due to the State as rice subsidy reimbursement under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) schemes, highlighting the financial burden on the State exchequer.
In addition, Venkataramanan sought early clearance of several proposals pending with the Centre concerning the Food and Civil Supplies Department. Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening the public distribution system (PDS), improving procurement, storage and distribution mechanisms, ensuring adequate food grain allocation, and expediting support for ongoing and future food security initiatives.
The Minister also raised concerns over pending payments to farmers for paddy procured through the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and urged the Centre to intervene for their early settlement.
According to an official release, a detailed memorandum outlining Tamil Nadu’s demands was submitted to the Union Minister, seeking expeditious approval and assistance. Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection, P. Amudha, accompanied the Minister, along with senior officials from both the State and Union governments.