CHENNAI: Around 5,000 paddy bags kept in the open at government procurement centres near Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district were soaked and sprouted following continuous rain brought by Cyclone Ditwah, leaving farmers distressed over the loss.

The paddy was purchased from farmers at the direct procurement centre in Thandarai village until November 30, after which the centre was closed. However, officials failed to move the purchased stock to safe storage facilities and left the bags piled up in the open for several days. Farmers said that in earlier years, stocks were shifted to Food Corporation of India godowns during the procurement process itself, but this year the bags were not transported in time.

With persistent rain over the past few days, the paddy bags were drenched, causing

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