Farmers concerned over slow pace of paddy procurement - The HinduPublished - April 29, 2026 06:54 pm IST - PALAKKADPaddy farmers in the district have expressed disappointment after the government failed to fulfil its assurance that the second crop would be procured through cooperative societies. The pilot initiative did not take off as no cooperative institutions came forward to procure paddy and make direct payments to farmers without a clear government guarantee.“The government’s assurance that paddy procurement in Palakkad district would be carried out through cooperative societies has completely failed. The proposal that Kerala Bank would provide funds to cooperative societies for procurement did not materialise as the bank insisted on a proper government guarantee and clearance of pending dues,” said Desiya Karshaka Samajam (DKS) president Muthalamthodu Mani.Published - April 29, 2026 06:54 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }