Alappuzha: Paddy farmers in Kerala are once again facing uncertainty as they wait for clarity on the procurement price for the new farming season while many are still waiting for money for crops already supplied to the government. The delay has created anxiety among farming families, particularly in major paddy growing areas such as Palakkad and Alappuzha, where farmers depend heavily on government procurement to secure a stable income.
The government has opened registration for the first crop procurement season, with applications being accepted from August 15 to September 30. However, farmers are still waiting for a clear announcement on the final price that will be paid for their paddy. For many cultivators, the issue is not simply about the price announced on paper. They say the amount must reflect the rising cost of labour, fertilisers, seeds, machinery, irrigation and other expenses involved in cultivation.
The Union government has increased the minimum support price for paddy for the 2026 to 27 season by Rs 72 per quintal to Rs 2,441. Farmers in Kerala, however, are demanding a much higher procurement price of Rs 35 per kilogram, or Rs 3,500 per quintal. They argue that the higher price is necessary to make paddy cultivation financially sustainable at a time when farming expenses continue to rise.
The issue of delayed payments has added to the frustration. Farmers who have already handed over their paddy to the procurement system have been waiting for their dues. The delay is particularly difficult for small farmers because the money received from one harvest is often used to meet household expenses and prepare for the next cultivation cycle.
There has been some movement on this issue in recent days. The Kerala government has sanctioned Rs 150 crore to clear pending payments under the Paddy Receipt Sheet system. The amount is intended to cover payments for receipts issued up to July 31 for the 2025 to 26 procurement season. The payment process is being resumed through a banking consortium that includes the State Bank of India and Canara Bank.
The latest release is expected to provide relief to farmers who have been waiting for their money. However, it does not mean that all outstanding dues have been cleared. Farmers continue to seek a payment system that is faster, more predictable and less dependent on delays in bank financing and administrative processing.
The government has also been looking at changes to the procurement system. Supplyco is expected to continue playing the central role in procurement, while the government is examining ways to make payments more direct and reliable. A revolving fund and a stronger payment mechanism have been discussed as possible solutions to prevent similar delays in the future.
The issue has also taken on political importance. Before the 2026 Kerala Assembly election, the United Democratic Front had promised to fix the paddy procurement price at Rs 35 per kilogram. Farmers are now watching closely to see whether that promise will translate into a concrete procurement policy.
For Kerala's paddy farmers, the coming weeks will therefore be important. They need not only a better price but also assurance that the money will reach them on time. A procurement system that offers a reasonable price but delays payment can still leave farmers struggling to meet their expenses.
As another cultivation season begins, farmers are hoping that the government will provide clear answers soon. Their demand is straightforward. They want a fair price for their harvest and timely payment for the work that has already been completed. For families dependent on farming, both are essential for keeping paddy cultivation alive in Kerala.