the UDF government. proposal to procure rice through cooperatives scrapped in Kerala

Photo file | Photo credit: KK Mustafah

The United Democratic Front (UDF) government has decided to scrap the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s proposal to purchase paddy from farmers in Palakkad district through cooperative societies.

The LDF government, during its final months in office, announced a pilot project that would channel the purchase of paddy fields through cooperative societies in the district. However, the proposal was never taken up as clear operational guidelines were not issued to the co-operative institutions.

The move also drew backlash from farmers who were already facing delays in receiving payments for purchased paddy fish. Many argued that cooperative societies lacked the capacity to process large orders and ensure timely payments, despite government assurances that farmers would be paid within two days of collection.

Paddy purchase in Kerala was initially done through cooperative societies when the system was introduced in 2003. The arrangement was terminated after the cooperative authorities failed to sustain the process.

Supplyco took over the purchase in 2005 and has been running it ever since. Farmer organizations have questioned the LDF government’s attempt to reintroduce a model that had been abandoned earlier.

Farmers welcome the decision

The UDF government’s decision has been welcomed by farmers in Palakkad who hope it will pave the way for reforms in the procurement system. Late payments have remained one of the major problems of paddy growers in the district for several years now, affecting both cultivation and farm income.

Published – June 6, 2026 8:55 PM IST