Former Minister Harish Rao Accuses Telangana Government of Failing Farmers in Crop Procurement
In a scathing critique of the state administration, former minister T Harish Rao on Monday leveled serious allegations against the Telangana government for its failure to procure key crops on time, leaving numerous farmers in distress at procurement centers across the region. Rao specifically highlighted delays in the purchase of Bengal gram, jowar, and maize, which have forced agricultural producers to wait indefinitely without resolution.
Farmers Stranded for Days as Procurement Halts Abruptly
Harish Rao visited the procurement center at Sadashivpet Rythu Seva Kendra in the Sangareddy constituency alongside MLA Chinta Prabhakar, where he encountered farmers who reported waiting for nearly a week after procurement activities were suddenly halted. According to on-ground accounts, the stoppage occurred due to the exhaustion of allocated quotas, leaving producers in a state of uncertainty and financial strain.
"When farmers from Aetigadda Sangham and nearby villages informed us that their produce was not being purchased, we immediately proceeded to the District Cooperative and Marketing Society center. Both the farmers and the managers there confirmed that the quota had been fully exhausted," Rao stated, questioning the officials present about the reasons behind the abrupt cessation of procurement operations.
Allegations of Unfulfilled Promises and Systemic Neglect
The BRS leader further accused the Congress-led government of failing to implement the promised minimum support price and bonus for paddy and other essential crops, describing the administration as fundamentally anti-farmer. "This Congress government cannot even ensure the basic supply of seeds and fertilizers to our agricultural community. Not only is the Rythu Bandhu scheme experiencing significant delays, but the administration is also failing to procure crops at the guaranteed support price," he alleged during his visit.
Rao criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and other ministers for what he termed a misplaced focus, alleging that they are "more preoccupied with activities in Delhi than addressing the needs of their own constituencies." He remarked, "They are frequently touring Kerala and Delhi in helicopters, showing little concern for the hardships faced by farmers. Their time spent on the ground has noticeably decreased, while their aerial travels have increased."
Additional Grievances: Return of Procured Stocks and Billing Issues
In a further escalation of his allegations, Harish Rao claimed that in Sadashivpet, not only has fresh procurement stalled, but previously procured stocks are being returned to farmers after their sacks have been emptied. This action is reportedly due to non-clearance of bills, adding another layer of complexity to the farmers' woes and undermining their trust in the procurement system.
The former minister's statements underscore a growing tension between the opposition and the ruling party over agricultural policies, with farmers' welfare emerging as a central point of contention. The situation highlights the urgent need for streamlined procurement processes and timely financial support to sustain the agricultural sector in Telangana.
