Tamil Nadu has witnessed a significant and sustained growth in paddy procurement during the lean season
Tamil Nadu has witnessed a significant and sustained growth in paddy procurement during the lean season, reflecting the effectiveness of recent agricultural policies and procurement strategies. The lean season, which typically spans from April to August, no longer lags behind the peak September-March period in terms of paddy procurement, as observed by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC). Over the past few years, both the volume and proportion of paddy procured during the lean season have markedly increased, contributing a larger share to the total annual procurement than ever before [1].
### Rise in Lean Season Procurement
Recent data highlights a consistent rise in paddy procurement during the lean season across Tamil Nadu. Between 2021-22 and 2024-25, the share of lean season procurement to total annual procurement grew from 16% to around 41%. In absolute numbers, the lean season saw an increase from 6.65 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 to 19.69 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with the share of lean season procurement rising from 15.96% to a high of 40.99%.
### Regional Contribution and Trends
A closer analysis reveals that the composite Thanjavur district — comprising Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai — along with Thanjavur itself, accounted for nearly 30% of the total paddy procured during the lean season. Neighbouring districts like Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur added sizeable shares as well, contributing to the overall growth witnessed during this period [1].
### Factors Driving Growth
Several factors have contributed to the robust procurement figures during the lean months:
- Expansion and effective operation of Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) across major regions.
- Adoption of advanced farming techniques and increased mechanization.
- Diversification of cropping patterns and a shift towards summer cropping cycles.
- Improved minimum support pricing and procurement processes that make it easier for farmers to sell their produce year-round.
### Conclusion
The consistent increase in lean season paddy procurement in Tamil Nadu demonstrates a positive trend that benefits both farmers and the state’s food security initiatives. The structured development of procurement infrastructure and supportive government measures are ensuring that even the so-called ‘lean’ months contribute significantly to the state’s food grain pool, reflecting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in agricultural modernization .
### Rise in Lean Season Procurement
Recent data highlights a consistent rise in paddy procurement during the lean season across Tamil Nadu. Between 2021-22 and 2024-25, the share of lean season procurement to total annual procurement grew from 16% to around 41%. In absolute numbers, the lean season saw an increase from 6.65 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 to 19.69 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with the share of lean season procurement rising from 15.96% to a high of 40.99%.
### Regional Contribution and Trends
A closer analysis reveals that the composite Thanjavur district — comprising Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai — along with Thanjavur itself, accounted for nearly 30% of the total paddy procured during the lean season. Neighbouring districts like Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur added sizeable shares as well, contributing to the overall growth witnessed during this period [1].
### Factors Driving Growth
Several factors have contributed to the robust procurement figures during the lean months:
- Expansion and effective operation of Direct Procurement Centres (DPCs) across major regions.
- Adoption of advanced farming techniques and increased mechanization.
- Diversification of cropping patterns and a shift towards summer cropping cycles.
- Improved minimum support pricing and procurement processes that make it easier for farmers to sell their produce year-round.
### Conclusion
The consistent increase in lean season paddy procurement in Tamil Nadu demonstrates a positive trend that benefits both farmers and the state’s food security initiatives. The structured development of procurement infrastructure and supportive government measures are ensuring that even the so-called ‘lean’ months contribute significantly to the state’s food grain pool, reflecting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in agricultural modernization .
Source the hindu