CM Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Centre's Demand to Discontinue Paddy Farmers' Bonus

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sharply criticized the central government's demand for Kerala to discontinue the additional incentive bonus provided to paddy farmers. He called the centre's demand "strange" and a direct challenge to farmers. The Centre recently argued that increased paddy production is a "liability" for the country. This position was conveyed through a formal communication from the central Finance and Expenditure Secretary, who stated that since paddy production exceeds the national requirement, the associated procurement costs would become a burden on the public exchequer. The letter was received by the Kerala Chief Secretary.

The Kerala government has been supporting paddy farmers by offering bonuses above the minimum support price set by the Centre. In response to the Centre's objections, Chief Minister questioned why the central government would take issue with this. Under the state government's current policy, Kerala is paying an additional Rs 6.31 per kilogram for paddy procurement, a significant benefit to local farmers.

He pointed out the hypocrisy of a government willing to forgive corporate debt running into crores of rupees, yet branding the bonus given to paddy farmers as an undue financial strain. He also condemned the Centre’s interpretation of increased paddy production as a liability, arguing that it not only undermines the interests of farmers but also poses a threat to national food security.

The Chief Minister further accused the central government of delaying its share of assistance to paddy farmers. He also raised concerns that this move might be part of a broader strategy to pave the way for the influx of American agricultural products into the Indian market, potentially as part of the recent Indo-US trade agreement.