The Karaikal Delta Farmers’ Association has urged the government to address issues caused by recent heavy rains and frost, which have damaged paddy crops ready for harvest.

The association said the waterlogged fields had caused the harvested paddy to submerge, and paddy yet to be harvested was likely to have a higher moisture content. The Tamil Nadu government had sought Central approval to raise the permissible moisture limit for procurement to 22%.

The association appealed to Puducherry Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister to ensure that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) also procured paddy with 22% moisture content in the Union Territory.

“We request immediate action to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and ensure fair procurement,” said P.G. Somu, joint secretary of the association.