Kerala Government Reaffirms Support for Paddy Farmers, Rejects Centre’s Demand to Halt Bonus

Minister P Prasad has confirmed that the Kerala government's additional bonus for paddy procurement will continue, rejecting the central government’s demand to halt it. The state government has responded to the Centre’s demand, firmly stating that it will not accept the suggestion.

Speaking to the media in Alappuzha, Minister P Prasad emphasized that the state has a responsibility to protect and support farmers. He further criticized the central government's stance, calling it an overreach that cannot be accepted. "The central government’s attitude seems to favour corporates over farmers in the country," he said, adding that such a position cannot be accepted by an agricultural nation like India.

The Kerala government has been procuring all paddy produced in the state to support local farmers. However, the central government has raised concerns over the state's procurement levels, urging a reduction. The minister pointed out that the BJP-led central government appears to be preparing the ground for grain imports, which are expected to be part of the Indo-US trade agreement. This agreement, he claimed, would open up India’s domestic agricultural market to the United States without proper consultation with the states or the people.

To assess the potential impact of the trade deal, the state’s agriculture department has set up a special cell. He warned that the agreement could seriously affect key sectors like coconut, dairy, and rubber farming, all of which are vital to Kerala's economy.