States » SouthPosted at: Feb 9 2026 12:22PM


Centre treating rise in paddy production as liability is anti-farmer: Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a sharp attack on the union Government for terming the increase in paddy production as a burden on the public exchequer, saying such a stance amounted to an open challenge to farmers and reflected hostility towards the State.
The Chief Minister said the Centre has demanded that Kerala withdraw the additional incentive bonus provided to paddy farmers, citing the argument that production has gone beyond requirements and that procurement costs would place an undue burden on government finances. He said this position has been officially communicated by the union Finance Ministry’s Expenditure Secretary, and a letter conveying the decision has been received by the State Chief Secretary.
Vijayan pointed out that the State Government extends support to paddy farmers by paying a bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed by the Centre, and questioned why this welfare measure should be a cause of concern for the union Government. He said Kerala currently provides an additional ₹6.31 per kilogram for paddy procurement to ensure fair returns for farmers. Kerala Chief Minister alleged that the Centre, which does not hesitate to write off corporate loans running into thousands of crores of rupees, was now projecting the relatively small bonus paid to paddy farmers as a major financial liability.
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