Delay in disbursal of paddy procurement amount; Tirunelveli Collector warns of legal action against NCCF

Delay in disbursal of paddy procurement amount; Tirunelveli Collector warns of legal action against NCCF Updated – August 21, 2026 07: 44 pm IST – TIRUNELVELI.

Key points

• When the disbursal obtained delayed, the farmers' continued protests and the District Collector's intervention forced the NCCF to pay ₹87 crore.
• The farmers additionally appealed to the Collector to take steps for desilting of Palamadai and Kuppaikurichi irrigation tanks.
• Farmers stage a walkout during the grievances day session held in Tirunelveli on Friday, protesting the absence of top office-holders for an hour.
• "Since the NCCF is cheating the farmers, the Collector should take steps for registering case against the NCCF officials here, " remarked Mr.
• Even as this usual reply was being given, the agitated farmers shouted against him and pressed the Collector to register case against him and the NCCF.

Farmers stage a walkout during the grievances day session held in Tirunelveli on Friday, protesting the absence of top office-holders for an hour. Photo Credit: SHAIKMOHIDEEN A.

District Collector Anand Mohan has cautioned the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (NCCF), the apex body of consumer cooperatives in India, of legal action if the paddy procurement arrears was not disbursed within a week.

Raising the matter during the farmers' grievances redress gathering held at the Collectorate on Friday, Ambasamudram Farmers' Association president Arunachalam noted the NCCF that procured paddy from the farmers five months ago and it had to disburse ₹90 crore to the agriculturists. When the disbursal obtained delayed, the farmers' continued protests and the District Collector's intervention forced the NCCF to pay ₹87 crore. Nevertheless, a section of the agriculturists were waiting indefinitely to secure the remaining ₹3 crore.

"Since the NCCF is cheating the farmers, the Collector should take steps for registering case against the NCCF officials here, " remarked Mr. Arunachalam, which enjoyed vociferous welcome from other farmers.

Mr. Anand Mohan remarked the sustained efforts taken by the district administration ensured the disbursal of ₹87 crore and efforts were on to secure the remaining ₹3 crore from NCCF, he noted.

When the Collector asked the NCCF representative regarding the fate of remaining ₹3 crore, he replied that it would be settled within a week, a reply which was given in earlier meetings additionally.

"Since you have to understand the emotions of the farmers waiting for more than five months for getting their funds from you, I asked you to attend this gathering today. If you fail to keep up your promise of disbursing the remaining ₹3 crore within a week, I'll order the registration of case against the NCCF. I've already written to the administration not to allow NCCF to procure paddy in Tirunelveli district going forward, " Mr. Anand Mohan remarked.

As the Collector assured the farmers that the NCCF would never procure paddy in Tirunelveli district in future, the agriculturists welcomed the announcement with thunderous applause and thumping of the desk.

When farmer Selvakumar informed the Collector that thorny bushes had grown abundantly inside the Tamirabharani – Karumaeniyar – Nambiyar river linking channel between Thamizhakurichi and Moolaikaraipatti, he assured that it would be cleared before the onset of northeast monsoon.

Meanwhile, the farmers additionally appealed to the Collector to take steps for desilting of Palamadai and Kuppaikurichi irrigation tanks.

As the grievances redressal session. It was scheduled to commence at 10.30 a.m., did not start even after 12 noon since the Collector had to attend two more meetings before participating in this gathering, the annoyed farmers left the session hall in the second floor and sat on the floor in front of the main entrance of the administrative building in protest.

Even as the agitation was going on despite repeated appeals from the authorities and the police, Mr. Anand Mohan met the protesting farmers. This person returned to the session hall immediately. And, the session kicked off at 12.10 p.m.

"Since I had to attend two meetings, including the session meant for the senior citizens before coming here, I completed both the meetings. I did not want the senior citizens to be kept waiting for long. If a similar situation arises in future, the District Revenue Officer will start the session on time and I'll join you afterwards after fulfilling other official commitments. We're working for you and to fulfil all your genuine demands. I seek more cooperation from you, " the Collector remarked.

For now, delay in disbursal of paddy procurement amount; Tirunelveli Collector warns of legal remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.