Hyderabad, Nov.5 (NSS): Minister for Civil Supplies N Uttam Kumar Reddy has urged the elected representatives and officials to play a proactive role in the paddy procurement.
This historic exercise marks a significant milestone in the State’s history, both pre- and post-formation, he said.
Addressing a video conference here on Tuesday, Uttam Kumar Reddy, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Tummala Nageshwara Rao, Komatireddy Venkatreddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and other officials, highlighted Telangana’s anticipated record-breaking paddy yield this season.
“The projected production of 150 lakh metric tonnes would set a milestone for the State and the country. The government expects to procure about 91 lakh metric tonnes, comprising 47 lakh metric tonnes of fine-grade rice and 44 lakh metric tonnes of other types. An allocation of Rs 30,000 crore has been set aside, with Rs 20,000 crore already released for immediate procurement,” Uttam said.
He underscored the government’s readiness for a large-scale procurement process and noted that the yield of fine-grade rice reflects the impact of a recent bonus incentive of Rs 500 per quintal. This bonus encouraged many farmers to focus on fine-grade rice, resulting in a substantial yield in this category, he said.
“The Rs 500 per quintal bonus on fine paddy is a historic initiative, marking the first time in India that all fine paddy cultivators will receive this bonus in addition to the MSP,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
He said starting from January 2025, the Congress government would distribute fine rice to all ration card holders across Telangana, another landmark move in the country’s history.
The Minister urged procurement officials to remain vigilant and encouraged public representatives to conduct field visits to support and inform farmers, minimising any confusion.
He also called on rice millers to support the government’s efforts, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to backing the milling industry.
He instructed officials to maintain accountability in transporting paddy from procurement centres to mills, aiming to deliver higher quality rice to beneficiaries in Telangana.
