Elaborate Arrangements In Place For Record Rabi Paddy Procurement: Uttam Kumar Reddy

Nizamabad, April 22: Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday asserted that the Telangana Government was fully equipped for the ongoing Rabi 2024–25 paddy procurement season, with all necessary infrastructure, including gunny bags, tarpaulin covers, calipers, dryers, and procurement centres, in place across the state.

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He stated that the government had taken proactive measures to ensure farmers faced no hurdles. “Gunny bags, weighing machines, grain calipers, and tarpaulins are available in required quantities. Every procurement centre is equipped to handle large volumes. Paddy procurement is being conducted in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said, addressing the ‘Telangana Rythu Mahotsavam’ in Nizamabad.

Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that Telangana was on track to record the highest paddy procurement in the country, with a Rabi target of 70.13 lakh metric tonnes. Combined with the Vanakalam season’s 153.5 LMT, the total annual paddy production for 2024–25 would reach 281 LMT, making Telangana the largest contributor in India.

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He revealed that 8,329 procurement centres had been proposed, and some districts like Nizamabad, Kamareddy, and Suryapet had achieved 100% operational status. Storage capacity across Telangana stood at 64.65 LMTs, with 25 LMTs currently vacant. Additional storage was also available with rice mills and could be supplemented through Agricultural Market Committees, the State Warehousing Corporation, and private godowns.

The minister said Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) and other manpower had been trained to identify grain quality as per the notified standards. Separate classification mechanisms and a three-tier appeal process were in place to resolve any disputes between farmers and officials. He also highlighted the government’s innovative use of weather forecast alerts and mobile dryers to protect paddy from unseasonal rains, and advised farmers to pre-dry and clean their produce before bringing it to the centres.

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Reiterating the Congress Government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana had become the only state in the country to provide free fine rice through the public distribution system to 84% of its population. “The previous regime distributed coarse rice that was not even edible, and a mafia controlled the diversion of PDS rice. We have curbed that practice and introduced a revolutionary change to ensure the poor receive high-quality rice,” he said.

“Telangana is now the only state in independent India to have achieved the highest paddy production while also providing free fine rice to nearly 84% of its population,” he said. “In my experience as a six-time MLA and a former MP, I have never witnessed such a massive food security programme in our history—one that ensures quality food for nearly 3.10 crore people.”

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He contrasted this with the previous BRS Government, which, he alleged, spent ₹1.81 lakh crore on irrigation projects without bringing any significant ayacut under cultivation. “We are focusing on results, not publicity. Despite the collapse of Kaleshwaram’s Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, Telangana is producing record paddy. That shows how real planning works,” he remarked.

Uttam Kumar Reddy made a series of specific promises to the people of the undivided Nizamabad district. He announced that the Congress Government would soon revive the long-delayed Pranahita-Chevella project, originally intended to benefit large parts of North Telangana. “Package 22 of the project has already been sanctioned with ₹22 crore. All remaining works, including those under the Gupta Lift Irrigation Scheme, will be completed. Depending on technical and financial feasibility, new check dams will also be sanctioned in this region,” he said.

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He added that the government would also take up desiltation and dredging works of the Nizam Sagar and SRSP projects. “Tenders will be called shortly. Our aim is to bring an additional one lakh acres under cultivation by reviving these major irrigation sources. Nizam Sagar was a visionary project, and we are committed to restoring it to its full potential,” he said.

Speaking about the ‘Telangana Rythu Mahotsavam’ programme, the minister said such farmer awareness events must be held in every Assembly constituency. “This event was previously held in Mahabubnagar and now in Nizamabad. It’s a great platform to educate and connect with farmers,” he said.

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He stated that the Congress Government, unlike others, believes in action over announcements and would deliver results without indulging in political gimmicks.

Uttam Kumar Reddy recalled his earlier visits to Nizamabad, as Housing Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh, as PCC chief, and later as a Lok Sabha member. “As an MP, I had raised the demand for a Turmeric Board in Parliament. Unfortunately, while the BJP-led Central Government announced it before the elections, it has not become fully functional even now,” he said, adding that local BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind owed an explanation to the people of Nizamabad.

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The event was also addressed by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, District Incharge Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, former minister Sudarshan Reddy, Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir, former Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, MLAs Bhupati Reddy, Suryanarayana and Rakesh Reddy, and MLC Anjaneya Reddy. All speakers extended their support to the government’s initiatives and urged farmers to fully utilise the available facilities and schemes. (Maxim News)

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