Anbumani Ramadoss demands increased paddy procurement prices and electricity connections

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss issued statements in Chennai calling for immediate government action regarding agricultural support. He demanded that the state government raise the incentive for common paddy to 559 rupees to ensure a total procurement price of 3,000 rupees per quintal. Additionally, he requested the immediate release of free electricity connections for 60,120 farmers who have been waiting for eight months after applying under the Tatkal scheme.

Ramadoss argued that the current incentive increases for paddy are insufficient given that production costs range between 2,300 and 2,400 rupees per quintal. Regarding the electricity connections, he stated that the state electricity board has collected over 1,250 crore rupees from farmers without providing the promised services. He characterized the delay as a failure to support farmers struggling with drought and livelihood challenges.