High Moisture in Paddy Worries Andhra Pradesh Farmers

10-Dec-2025 06:19 PM

Vijayawada. While the recent severe cyclones in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh did not cause any serious damage to the paddy crop, the grain quality was partially affected due to increased moisture content due to the rain.

Due to high moisture levels, farmers are facing great difficulty in selling their paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at government procurement centers.

Tamil Nadu was particularly affected by the cyclones and the resulting rainfall, but farmers there did not face any significant problems because government procurement of paddy began in this far southern state on September 1.

Government procurement of Kharif paddy in Andhra Pradesh began late and is still ongoing. However, in many areas, the moisture content of paddy is seen as high as 20 to 26 percent, well above the approved level of 17 percent.

Farmers fear that agencies at government procurement centers may initially refuse to purchase this paddy, and even if they agree to purchase, they may drastically reduce the minimum support price. This means that the paddy can be purchased at a much cheaper price.

Farmers in Vijayawada and surrounding areas are attempting to dry their paddy on the roads along the Western Bypass, Inner Ring Road, and in nearby villages.

A similar situation is being observed in many other parts of the state. Because farmers lack adequate facilities to dry their paddy, they spread their stock wherever they can find space. After spreading the paddy on tarpaulins, farmers have to guard it day and night, waiting for intense sunlight.

Although Andhra Pradesh saw a good harvest of paddy during this year's Kharif season, and there are indications of improved yields, the pace of government procurement has been slow due to weather-related problems.