ALAPPUZHA: The Supply Co has reportedly withheld payments for over 700 farmers, despite a farmer tragically taking his life due to the delayed payment. The price of the sold paddy is pending, subject to certification by the agriculture officer confirming a successful harvest.

The Agriculture Officer site mandates the uploading of this certificate before inclusion in the bank's payment list by SupplyCo.

Farmers delivering over 2200 kg of paddy per acre faced payment withholding, while this issue didn't persist for the subsequent crop.

During the punja season, those yielding more than thirty quintals per acre had to submit a similar certification, aiming to prevent misusing PRS loans by importing paddy from neighbouring states.

Payments for paddy stored since the 5th of last month are yet to be distributed.

1. The Agriculture Officer's certification is a prerequisite for payment inclusion.

2. Payment delays are expected due to the certification process and other necessary steps.

3. No such requirements were present in the prior season for payments.

4. The Rice Farmers Protection Committee condemns the government's actions, labeling them as a great injustice towards high-yielding farmers.

In the second cultivation phase, involving 17.5 crores:

- Farmers Awaiting Payment: 2341

- Amount Due: 17.5 crores

- Criteria for Payment: Exceeding 2200 kg yield

- Storage Price (per kg): Rs 28.32

There was no such suggestion in the last season. Payment can be authorized only after receipt of a certificate from agriculture offices

- Paddy Payment Office, Kuttanad

The government's action was taken as a great sin committed by the farmers who got more yield in the field.

- Sonichan Pulinkunnu, Rice Farmers Protection Committee