Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Presents Three Critical Demands for Farmers Ahead of PM Modi's Coimbatore Visit

The Prime Minister will be conducting a roadshow in Coimbatore as part of his visit.

Chennai:

In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled farmers' event in Coimbatore tomorrow, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has approached the Centre with urgent requests for assistance to the state's farmers who are currently experiencing significant challenges due to excessive paddy production.

Stalin communicated via letter to the Prime Minister, highlighting that paddy arrivals have increased dramatically, with 1.86 lakh metric tonnes already reaching procurement centers by November 16, creating substantial strain on both storage facilities and procurement operations.

The Chief Minister outlined three critical requests for the Centre's consideration: expanding Tamil Nadu's paddy procurement target beyond the existing limit for KMS 2025-26, easing moisture content requirements from 17% to 22% due to recent rainfall, and authorizing the packaging of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) in 50 kg bags rather than 25 kg to enhance processing efficiency at mills. Stalin mentioned that Tamil Nadu operates 1,760 rice mills, including 123 specifically approved for FRK blending, but current packaging and storage restrictions are impeding procurement progress.

Stalin also referenced previous joint assessments with Food Corporation of India officials, during which the state had consistently emphasized the challenges resulting from surplus production, increased arrivals, and limited storage capacity. He stressed that the measures he requested were crucial to protect farmers from financial losses this season.

Modi will be arriving in Coimbatore tomorrow to launch the South India Natural Farming Summit, where he will also release the 21st installment of PM-KISAN, distributing Rs 18,000 crore to nine crore farmers nationwide. The three-day summit is expected to attract over 50,000 farmers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders from six southern states and will feature exhibitions of natural farming methodologies, organic inputs, and advancements in environmentally sustainable agriculture.

The Prime Minister's schedule also includes a roadshow in Coimbatore, a city where the BJP maintains a relatively stronger presence within the predominantly Dravidian political landscape. During the 2021 Assembly elections, BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan secured victory in the Coimbatore South constituency, narrowly defeating MNM leader Kamal Haasan. The party continues to build upon this foundation as it expands its influence ahead of the 2026 elections.