Farmers encountered difficulties at procurement centers, as strict adherence to fair average quality standards led them to sell their produce to private traders who offered Rs 300 to Rs 400 per quintal above the minimum support price. Local officials observed that most of the grade-A paddy produced in the state was purchased by millers from Chennai. Initially hesitant to buy A-grade paddy due to the obligation of providing a Rs 500 per quintal incentive to growers, state agencies are now rushing to procure as much as they can.
