Archive · 23 Nov 2025
DMK-led Alliance Protests Centre's Refusal to Relax Paddy Moisture Norms
Farmers and their allies in Tamil Nadu are upset because the central government won't let them sell their paddy (rice) if it has more than 17% moisture.
They want the limit raised to 22%.
So, they're protesting to show their displeasure and ask the government to change its mind.
DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) staged protests in Tamil Nadu against the Centre's refusal to relax paddy moisture norms
Protesters condemned the government's attitude towards farmers and demanded action
DMK President M.K. Stalin had written to PM Modi on November 18, urging relaxation of moisture content norms from 17% to 22% for paddy procurement
The Centre rejected the plea, prompting the SPA to announce protests in delta districts on November 23 and 24
Protesters wore white shirt-dhoti and green towel, symbolizing their unity and solidarity
- Who
- DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) members, including Congress and Left Party members
- What
- Staged protests against the Centre's refusal to relax paddy moisture norms
- When
- November 23 and 24, 2023
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, specifically in Thanjavur and Thiruvarur
- Why
- To protest against the Centre's refusal to relax paddy moisture norms, which they believe is harming farmers
Farmers and Allies
Central Government
Moisture Content Norms
Farmers and Allies
Should be relaxed from 17% to 22% for paddy procurement
Central Government
Refused to relax norms, stating it would lead to poor quality grain and storage issues
- Protesting Parties
- DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), Congress, Left Parties
- Protest Dates
- November 23 and 24, 2023
- Protest Locations
- Thanjavur and Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu
- Requested Moisture Content Change
- From 17% to 22%
- Paddy Procurement Target
- 16 lakh MT during the current Kharif 2025-26 season