VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked officials on Thursday to adopt new strategies to combat rackets engaged in PDS ration rice recycling and smuggling in AP.
Officials must ensure that no further smuggling of ration rice occurs in this state, the Chief Minister said while holding a video conference with collectors and officials of 26 districts to review the paddy procurement process.
Naidu asked officials to ensure that no farmer faced difficulties in the rice procurement process. “Strict actions would be taken against the officials and employees who display negligence or refuse to assist rice millers, leading to hardships to farmers,” he said.
Naidu said farmers had faced problems in selling their produce in the past. This prompted his government to effect substantial changes in this year’s rice procurement strategy.
“We made selling of paddy easy,” Naidu said and explained, “Farmers are allowed to send their rice to any mill, in contrast to the previous mandates that had restricted their deliveries to government-specified mills. Last year, it took months for farmers to receive their payments. The present government, however, ensured payment within 24 to 48 hours of procurement.”
Farmers, he said, can conveniently sell their produce via WhatsApp. “Committees including farmers, millers and officials have been set up to ensure a smooth procurement process.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the need to resolve issues related to moisture through the establishment of dryers (machines for drying rice).
Officials briefed the CM about rice procurement. The target for this Kharif season is set at 37 lakh metric tonnes, with 10.59 metric tonnes already procured from 1.51 lakh farmers. “Payments are being made within 48 hours of procurement. To date, `2,331 crore has been paid to farmers, of which `2,202 crore was disbursed within 24 hours and the remaining `128 crore within 48 hours,” they said.
The officials said the rice procurement was ongoing in 14 districts, with 1.84 lakh metric tonnes collected in East Godavari, 1.81 lakh metric tonnes in West Godavari, 1.69 lakh in Eluru, 1.44 lakh in Konaseema and 1.40 lakh metric tonnes in Krishna.
The Chief Minister advised officials to monitor whether purchases via WhatsApp were being implemented correctly and review the results. He also directed the implementation of GPS for vehicles to expedite the loading processes.
Naidu said feedback from farmers is being collected through IVRS. “If there are any signs of dissatisfaction, officials will be held accountable.”
The Chief Minister said, “If any issues arise, I would personally visit the affected area and seek explanations from officials.” He expressed frustration that despite government funds and support, poor performance from officials often tarnished the government’s reputation. “Find solutions to the moisture issue and help farmers,” he said.
