Nagercoil, March 21: Maria Jennifer, the state administrator of Naam Tamilar Katchi and former Kanyakumari assembly constituency candidate, joined a protest organized by the Farmers' Association and Irrigation Association to support local farmers. Speaking at the event, she highlighted the poor state of direct paddy procurement centers in Kanyakumari district, noting a severe lack of basic facilities and storage rooms to protect paddy bags from the elements. Currently, bags are merely covered with tarpaulin sheets in open spaces. Due to the lack of drying equipment, farmers in the naturally humid Kanyakumari district struggle to meet the government-mandated 17% moisture level. Recent heavy rains over the last 3-4 days have soaked the paddy, further increasing moisture levels. Authorities have reportedly instructed farmers to dry the paddy themselves, but without proper drying yards or equipment at the procurement centers, farmers are forced to spread their wet crops on open roads. She also alleged corruption, stating that officials demand bribes or force farmers to buy specific fertilizers to obtain approval receipts. Jennifer condemned the administration for shifting the responsibility onto farmers instead of providing basic infrastructure like roofing and drying machines. She concluded by stating that Naam Tamilar Katchi will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers against these anti-farmer policies.