Madurai, Tamil Nadu: Tension prevailed near Usilampatti in Madurai district as farmers from Nattapatti village staged a sudden road blockade in protest against the suspension of operations at a government paddy procurement centre.
With harvesting underway across over a hundred acres in the region, farmers expressed concern over the ten-day halt in procurement. Paddy grains, already brought to the centre and stored without proper protection, face the risk of spoilage due to possible rainfall. Farmers also raised concerns about receiving lower prices from private buyers in the absence of government procurement.
The situation was brought under control after officials from Valandur Police Station promptly arrived at the spot, engaged in talks with the agitating farmers, and assured them that appropriate steps would be taken to resume paddy procurement soon. The road blockade was peacefully withdrawn following the assurance.
The swift and tactful response of the police helped restore normalcy and prevent any escalation, ensuring that public order was maintained while farmers’ grievances were addressed.
Our Citizen Reporter – Madurai
Mr. Ravi
