State government to procure copra

It will be procured from farmers in 29 districts for six months starting June 15

: The State government has decided to procure copra from farmers in 29 districts for six months starting June 15, as the price of copra has fallen below Rs. 50 a kg.

“Copra would be procured through direct procurement centres with a procurement price of Rs. 59.50 for a kg of milling copra and Rs. 62.40 for a kg of edible copra,” Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said in a statement.

Recalling her electoral promise to support farmers when the prices of copra fell, she said a meeting to review the contemplated action was held at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The government would open procurement centres through Tamil Nadu Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd (TANFED), Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACCS) and Agricultural Producers Cooperative Marketing Societies (APCMS).

Payment method

“Based on their choice, the price for the procurement would be deposited in the bank accounts through ECS system or through account payee cheques. The Marketing Committee Cess payable by farmers to direct procurement centres would be suspended,” she said.

Despite standing third in the country in terms of the extent of land used to cultivate coconut, Tamil Nadu stands first in terms of produce, Ms. Jayalalithaa added.

Source : The Hindu