Anticipating a bountiful harvest, the Agriculture Department has placed a request with the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) to open 250 direct procurement centres (DPCs) this year. On Saturday 39 DPCs were opened, and farmers have urged TNCSC to open the remaining centres before February. Paddy has been cultivated on 1.42 lakh hectares in the district this Samba season. With 30 per cent of farmers starting harvest, the district administration opened 39 DPCs in Thirukkuvalai, Mayiladuthurai, Kuthalam, Tharangambadi and Sirkazhi Taluks. Last year, only 54 DPCs were opened due to drought.