Uttam Urges Public Representatives To Ensure Successful Paddy Procurement

· Minister Uttam conducts video conference on paddy procurement with Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs

· Deputy CM Bhatti, cabinet ministers join discussions

Hyderabad, November 5: Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has called on public representatives and officials to play a proactive role in the success of Telangana’s largest-ever paddy procurement initiative. This historic exercise marks a significant milestone in the state’s history, both pre- and post-formation.

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Addressing a video conference on Tuesday, Uttam Kumar Reddy, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, 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 Kumar Reddy 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.

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“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,” he stated. He added that 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, minimizing any confusion. “We are a pro-farmer government committed to supporting our farmers fully. There will be no compromises in the procurement process,” he asserted.

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Given the record yield, Uttam Kumar Reddy described this period as a “testing time” for the government and called on public representatives to ensure efficient and smooth operations. He also stressed adherence to central guidelines on paddy moisture content, advising that farmers be educated about these standards to avoid issues.

In anticipation of natural disruptions, such as unseasonal rains, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed Principal Secretary and Civil Supplies Commissioner DS Chauhan to ensure prompt readiness among officials to address obstacles. “Delays or negligence will not be tolerated under any circumstance,” he warned.

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Uttam Kumar Reddy also called on rice millers to support the government’s efforts, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to backing the milling industry. He noted the Congress government’s recent increase in milling charges – Rs 50 for fine rice and Rs 40 for other grades – and urged millers to cooperate fully in this initiative. Additionally, he emphasized the need for bank guarantees as required by regulation to manage these operations effectively.

The Minister instructed officials to maintain accountability in transporting paddy from procurement centers to mills, aiming to deliver higher-quality rice to beneficiaries in Telangana. He stated that Sanna paddy, being sensitive to moisture, could suffer discoloration or increased broken grains; thus, procurement centers have been equipped with dryers and cleaners to maintain quality.

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Public representatives were encouraged to coordinate closely with District Collectors to establish procurement centers as needed. He assured that the government would cover costs associated with additional centers.

He said PPCs have been set up to ensure accurate classification between fine and coarse paddy, with agriculture officers certifying produce according to established regulations. As prescribed by the Centre, fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms must be strictly followed, he added.

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The Minister also called for vigilance to prevent rice from other states from entering Telangana, which would harm local farmers.

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao urged public representatives to make history in paddy procurement and emphasized that Telangana’s procurement policy should serve as a model for other states.

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DS Chauhan presented a detailed plan, highlighting measures to ensure effective operations. He noted that the government is spending an additional Rs 500 per quintal on fine paddy and that accountability would be ensured throughout the process, including delivery of Custom Milled Rice (CMR).

Chauhan recounted past issues of pilferage and unauthorized cuts in paddy, where up to 10–15 kg was typically deducted. However, with the current government’s efforts, these cuts have been reduced to less than 2 kg. Daily coordination with District Collectors has been established to meet CMR targets, and logistical issues at FCI depots are being resolved without delay.

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A total of 7,572 paddy procurement centers have been opened across Telangana’s 32 districts. About 3,309 millers are involved in the process, with a daily output target of 60,246 MT of rice. Over 10.15 lakh farmers are expected to benefit during the Kharif 2024-25 season.

Due to stringent quality measures, Telangana rice is now in demand in states like Bihar and West Bengal. In addition, two to three countries have expressed interest in purchasing Telangana rice on a government-to-government export basis, with one country resuming business with Telangana after a decade. The Civil Supplies Department has shown marked improvement in the past 10 months, managing to reduce its loan burden by Rs 11,537.40 crore, he said. (Maxim News)

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