Telangana Government Mobilizes for Major Rabi Paddy Procurement Drive
In a significant announcement, Telangana's Irrigation Minister, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, detailed on Tuesday the state's comprehensive preparations to procure a staggering 90 lakh metric tonnes (MTs) of paddy from the ongoing rabi season. This initiative aims to efficiently manage the projected bumper harvest and shield farmers from the risks of distress sales, ensuring their livelihoods are protected.
Projected Production and Infrastructure Readiness
The state's rabi paddy production is estimated to surpass 1.48 crore MTs, necessitating robust logistical and storage arrangements. To handle this massive volume, the government is establishing over 8,251 paddy purchase centres (PPCs) across all districts. These centers are equipped with modern infrastructure, ample storage facilities, and streamlined logistics to facilitate smooth operations.
In preparation, authorities have already made available more than 16 crore gunny bags to ensure proper storage and transportation of the procured paddy. Each purchase center will be under the direct supervision of a dedicated officer, tasked with monitoring daily procurement activities, conducting quality checks, ensuring timely payments to farmers, and maintaining overall transparency in the process.
Minister's Directives and Monitoring Mechanisms
Minister Reddy has issued clear directives to officials to guarantee hassle-free movement of paddy to the PPCs, accelerate the opening of all centers, and facilitate uninterrupted transport of harvested crops. This focus on efficiency is designed to directly benefit farmers by minimizing delays and maximizing convenience.
To uphold fairness and prevent exploitation, strict monitoring mechanisms have been implemented. These measures are aimed at preventing unauthorized diversion of paddy and ensuring that farmers receive the minimum support price (MSP) without compromise. Specifically, the MSP has been set at ₹2,369 per quintal for common grade paddy and ₹2,389 per quintal for fine varieties, providing a financial safety net for agricultural producers.
Commitment to Record-Breaking Season and State Interests
The minister reiterated that the entire procurement machinery, including logistics, storage, gunny bag distribution, and quality monitoring, is being fine-tuned to handle what could be another record-breaking rabi season. He emphasized that paddy from other states will not be permitted at Telangana's purchase centers, a move intended to prioritize local farmers and maintain the integrity of the state's procurement system.
Additionally, Reddy highlighted the state's efforts in providing consistent irrigation support throughout the season, making judicious use of river water entitlements. He firmly stated that there would be no compromise on Telangana's river waters, reaffirming the state's ongoing fight for its rightful water shares in all relevant forums. This commitment underscores the government's broader strategy to safeguard agricultural resources and support sustainable farming practices.
