Rs 20,000 crore fund, elaborate arrangements are in place for smooth paddy procurement: Uttam
Farmers to get Rs 500 per quintal bonus on fine variety of paddy
Hyderabad: Telangana is poised to achieve its highest-ever paddy yield this year, with an estimated production of 150 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs), Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Thursday. Speaking at the Integrated District Office Complex (IDOC) in Suryapet during Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s interaction with district officials and prominent figures, Uttam Kumar Reddy detailed the state’s agricultural progress. He outlined the government’s comprehensive procurement and food security initiatives.
He stated that the state government has made elaborate arrangements for paddy procurement this season, with an initial allocation of Rs 20,000 crore. He said more money would be spent on paddy procurement if required. He emphasised that the government’s policy guarantees that every grain of paddy the farmers wish to sell will be purchased, providing fair prices for all. He instructed officials to ensure that all procurement centres are well-equipped and staffed to handle the expected volumes, including adequate training for workers, proper storage facilities, and necessary equipment such as tarpaulins and gunny bags. Coordination with rice millers and adequate maintenance of intermediary godowns are also part of the preparation to streamline the process.
As part of its ongoing food security programme, Telangana currently provides 6 kg of rice free of cost to every individual, a scheme partly funded by the central government and the remainder by the state. However, starting in January, the government will make a significant improvement by distributing 6 kg of fine rice to every ration card holder, enhancing the quality of grains provided to beneficiaries. Uttam Kumar Reddy termed this a revolutionary step in improving the edible nature of grains offered through the Public Distribution System (PDS), which generally distributes coarse grains in Telangana and other states. He also mentioned that Telangana is working toward self-sufficiency in fine rice production by promoting the cultivation of fine paddy.
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In a move to support farmers who cultivate finer varieties of paddy, the Telangana government has announced a Rs 500 per quintal bonus on top of the minimum support price (MSP) set by the Government of India. Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that 80-85 LMTs of the total paddy production this season are expected to be of fine variety, and the government is encouraging their cultivation through these incentives.
Uttam Kumar Reddy underscored Telangana’s massive irrigation initiatives, highlighting the state’s progress in the agriculture sector. The state has an annual budget of Rs 28,000 crore for irrigation projects to bring 6 lakh acres of new ayacut under cultivation each year. Over the next five years, the government aims to achieve 30 lakh acres of new ayacut. Existing dams and irrigation projects are undergoing rapid modernisation, ensuring efficient water distribution and increased agricultural productivity.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also touched on the district’s advantages, pointing out that Suryapet is well-positioned with the Krishna River flowing through the region. The Nagarjuna Sagar project, located in the combined Nalgonda district, has its main left canal passing through Suryapet, providing irrigation for 6.16 lakh acres of agricultural land in the district. The minister expressed confidence that the government’s efforts would continue to increase the area under cultivation.
Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that Suryapet is not just an agricultural hub but also plays a critical role in Telangana’s industrial landscape. The district is home to India’s largest cement manufacturing cluster, with abundant limestone reserves supporting a thriving cement industry, especially in the Huzurnagar constituency. The district is also a significant producer of rice, with numerous rice mills operating due to the extensive paddy cultivation. Additionally, Suryapet is home to a growing number of pharmaceutical industries.
Reflecting on Suryapet’s historical significance, Uttam Kumar Reddy mentioned that the region has been a centre for revolutionary movements, including communist and Jagirdari struggles and land reforms. He also recalled the district’s role in the armed struggle against the Razakars in 1948. The minister, who has represented the region six times in the Assembly and once in Parliament, praised the district’s people for their high level of awareness and active participation in the region’s development.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring fair prices for farmers and supporting agricultural growth through its extensive irrigation and procurement initiatives. He urged district officials and elected representatives to stay fully engaged in the paddy procurement process, ensuring that farmers’ interests are prioritised and that the state sets a model in agricultural management.
Uttam Kumar Reddy informed the Governor that Telangana, the youngest state in India, has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, both economically and agriculturally. Boasting the highest per capita income among medium- to large-sized states, Telangana has become a hub for global investments, particularly in sectors like IT, software, pharmaceuticals, and services.
