TN steps in to protect paddy farmers with Rs 34.72 crore seed subsidy
Chennai, Aug 6 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government will spend Rs 34.72 crore from its own resources to continue subsidising the production and distribution of certified paddy seeds in 2026-27, stepping in after the Centre discontinued financial assistance for the programme.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth announced the measure while presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday. He said the State government had decided to ensure that the withdrawal of Central assistance did not disrupt the supply of quality seeds or increase the financial burden on paddy farmers.
According to the Minister, the Government of India has stopped providing subsidy support for paddy seed production and distribution from the current financial year.
Tamil Nadu, however, will continue the scheme entirely with State funding, considering the importance of certified seeds in improving agricultural productivity and the demand from farmers for continued assistance.
The government has consequently earmarked Rs 34.72 crore from the State exchequer for the programme during 2026-27.
Minister Vinoth said making quality seeds available to farmers at the appropriate time remained a key priority of the government. Access to certified seeds is particularly important for paddy cultivation as seed quality has a direct bearing on germination, crop health, productivity and overall yields. The State government believes that discontinuing the subsidy following the withdrawal of Central assistance could push up cultivation costs for farmers and affect their access to reliable planting material.
The decision to finance the programme independently is therefore aimed at insulating cultivators from additional input costs.
The initiative is also expected to help maintain an uninterrupted system for the production and distribution of certified paddy seeds across Tamil Nadu, preventing any shortage arising from changes in the funding arrangement.
The announcement comes at a time when farmers are grappling with rising cultivation expenses, including costs associated with labour and other agricultural inputs. Continued seed assistance is expected to provide some relief, particularly to small and marginal cultivators who are more vulnerable to increases in input costs.
The paddy seed subsidy forms part of the broader measures unveiled in the 2026-27 Agriculture Budget to strengthen farm productivity and provide continued support to cultivators.
By absorbing the entire financial commitment following the Centre’s withdrawal, the Tamil Nadu government has sought to ensure that farmers continue receiving certified paddy seeds at subsidised rates without interruption during the coming cultivation seasons.
–IANS
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