CM warns of serious consequences if Telangana’s entire Rabi procurement is not lifted after June 15.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday warned the Central government of “serious consequences” if it failed to procure the entire 75 lakh tonnes of paddy that Telangana will procure from farmers by June 15.
Addressing a public meeting at Koheda in Rangareddy district after laying the foundation stone for the proposed International Integrated Fruit Market, the Chief Minister asserted that the state government would complete procurement of 75 lakh tonnes of paddy produced during the recent rabi season and demanded that the Centre purchase the entire stock.
Questioning the Centre’s reported stand that it would procure only 30 to 40 per cent of Telangana’s paddy stocks, Revanth Reddy asked how the Centre could refuse to buy paddy, maize and jowar produced by Telangana farmers. “I will see how the Centre will not purchase paddy, wheat and maize stocks from Telangana after June 15,” he said.
The Chief Minister came down heavily on Union ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar for criticising his demand for Central procurement of foodgrains. Warning the BJP leaders, Revanth Reddy said they would find it difficult to even cross Telangana’s borders if the Centre failed to purchase farmers’ produce. He declared that while the state was maintaining cordial relations with the Centre to secure funds and approvals, it would not hesitate to fight for Telangana’s rights.
Revanth Reddy said he would press the Centre to approve Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion, provide national project status to the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme and extend support for airports proposed at Warangal and Adilabad. “After June 15, once all 75 lakh tonnes of paddy are procured by the state government, I will deal with the Centre,” he said.
Revanth Reddy said farmers in Rangareddy district had historically supplied fruits, vegetables and milk to Hyderabad, but agriculture had suffered due to rapid real estate expansion. With Hyderabad’s population crossing 1.3 crore and the city emerging as an international metropolis, he said the existing infrastructure was unable to meet the growing demand for fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
The Chief Minister said the International Integrated Fruit Market would be developed across 240 acres to ensure seamless availability of fruits, vegetables, milk and other agricultural produce. He expressed confidence that the facility would bring global recognition to Telangana, second only to Hyderabad’s international airport.
He noted that even coriander was being sourced from neighbouring states and urged farmers to diversify beyond paddy, maize, cotton and chilli cultivation. He also announced plans to establish a tomato processing and sauce manufacturing unit in the Kandukur region.
Alleging attempts to obstruct the fruit market project, Revanth Reddy said the government would proceed with it regardless of opposition.
He said the proposed Bharat Future City was being developed to provide a pollution-free alternative to areas affected by pharmaceutical industries and promised to attract 500 globally renowned companies to the project. He accused BRS leaders of opposing Bharat Future City, the Regional Ring Road, airports at Warangal and Adilabad, the Palamuru-Rangareddy project and the Tummidihatti project.
“Whatever development initiative we take, they come onto the roads and stage protests,” he said, adding that if the opposition continued with such tactics, it would struggle even to remain politically relevant. He directed officials to commence operations at the fruit market by December and complete construction within two years, assuring that funds would be released through a “green channel” without delay
The Chief Minister asserted that the Congress government would continue development works despite criticism and opposition. “Whether they curse us, abuse us or try to obstruct us, we will build Bharat Future City, the fruit market and the Regional Ring Road,” he said. He accused both the BJP and the BRS of becoming obstacles to Telangana’s progress by creating hurdles for every major development initiative undertaken by the government.
The Chief Minister said that Rangareddy district alone contributes nearly 60 per cent of the state’s revenue and that these resources were being utilised to implement welfare programmes across Telangana.
