Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Urges Expedited Paddy Procurement to Support Farmers
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed state officials to fast-track the procurement process of paddy to address any challenges faced by farmers, particularly as significant quantities of paddy are expected to arrive at procurement centers across the state in the next week to ten days. The CM issued these instructions during a review meeting focused on the ongoing Kharif season’s paddy collection.
In his address, Reddy emphasized that the government is committed to purchasing every grain of paddy and reassured farmers that they would not be left without support. He specifically advised farmers against selling their produce at lower prices to private buyers and traders, urging them to sell only at government procurement centers where fair prices are ensured.
The Chief Minister also warned that stringent action would be taken under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against millers and traders who cause disruptions in the procurement process. This includes preventing any bottlenecks that may hinder the smooth flow of paddy collection and processing.
During his teleconference with ministers and government advisors, Reddy sought updates on district-wise conditions and urged district in-charge ministers to conduct daily reviews to ensure the process is closely monitored. He specifically noted that procurement had been slow in five districts and called for measures to speed up operations in those areas.
The Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation has set an ambitious target of procuring 8 million tons of paddy from farmers during the Kharif season. To achieve this, the state has established 7,234 procurement centers across Telangana. As of November 12, approximately 726,000 tons had been procured, slightly lower than the same period last year. The Chief Minister highlighted the need for improved procurement efficiency, particularly in the districts where progress had been slower.
In his concluding remarks, Reddy instructed collectors to ensure that all procurement centers are fully prepared to handle the expected influx of paddy in the coming days. His advisor, Vennareddy, has been tasked with coordinating further discussions with officials to ensure smooth operations and effective execution of the procurement strategy.
