Kerala Defies Centre's Move to Cut Paddy Bonus, Sparks Debate on Food Security

LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan urges the Centre to revoke its directive to end a Kerala state incentive for paddy procurement, highlighting potential threats to food security. The Centre claims the bonus leads to surplus stocks and financial strain, advocating a shift towards cultivating pulses and oilseeds.

The LDF convener, T P Ramakrishnan, has called on the Indian government to retract its directive to halt Kerala's additional incentive bonus for paddy procurement. The demand emerges amid concerns that the Centre's decision could undermine the nation's food security.

Ramakrishnan criticized the Union Finance Ministry's stance, which suggests that the state's paddy bonus results in excessive wheat and rice procurement, burdening the public finances. In contrast, Kerala argues that this move could disrupt food self-sufficiency.

The Centre urged Kerala to reassess its policy and focus on promoting pulses and oilseeds in line with national nutrition security goals. However, Kerala's Agriculture Minister, P Prasad, firmly rejected this notion, insisting on maintaining the state's commitment to paddy cultivation.

(With inputs from agencies.)