Telangana to buy record 91 lakh MT paddy: Uttam

Hyderabad: Civil supplies minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy urged public representatives and officials to play a proactive role in the success of Telangana’s largest-ever paddy procurement initiative, with the state’s farmers projected to produce 150 lakh metric tonnes.

Addressing a video conference on Tuesday, Uttam Kumar Reddy, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, MPs, MLAs, MLCs and officials, said that the government would procure about 91 lakh metric tonnes, comprising 47 lakh metric tonnes of fine-grade paddy 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 that the recent bonus incentive of Rs 500 per quintal has resulted in a substantial increase in the acreage of fine-grade rice.

A total of 7,572 paddy procurement centres have been opened across 32 districts. About 3,309 millers are involved in the process. Over 10.15 lakh farmers are expected to benefit during the Kharif 2024-25 season.

"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," the minister 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.

In anticipation of natural disruptions, such as unseasonal rains, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed principal secretary and civil supplies commissioner D.S. Chauhan to ensure prompt readiness among officials. He also called on rice millers to back the administration in supporting the industry and cited the recent increase in milling charges - Rs 50 for fine rice and Rs 40 for other grades - and urged their cooperation. Additionally, he emphasised that bank guarantees from millers are required by regulation.

He said paddy procurement centres (PPCs) have been set up to ensure accurate classification between fine and coarse paddy, with agriculture officers certifying produce. Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms, as prescribed by the Centre, must be strictly followed and vigilance increased against rice from other states, he added.

Civil supplies commissioner D.S. 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 in the delivery of custom-milled rice (CMR).

Chauhan recounted past issues of pilferage and unauthorised 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.

“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 informed.