LDF Demands Centre Withdraw Order to Stop Paddy Bonus, Cites Food Security Threat

• LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan urged the Centre to immediately withdraw its direction to discontinue the additional incentive bonus for paddy procurement.
• The Union Finance Ministry's Expenditure Secretary wrote to the state chief secretary seeking withdrawal of the additional bonus given by states.
• The Centre argues the additional incentive leads to excess procurement of wheat and rice, creating a financial burden and encouraging higher cultivation of foodgrains.
• Ramakrishnan alleged that such an intervention would weaken the country’s food self-sufficiency and is unacceptable given the Centre's delayed share release.
• Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad rejected the Centre's suggestion, terming it “unacceptable” and vowed no compromise on paddy cultivation.