Telangana gears up for massive Rabi operations, targets procurement of 90 lakh metric tonnes: Uttam
The Telangana government is preparing extensively for Rabi paddy procurement, targeting 90 lakh metric tonnes under MSP operations. With production expected to exceed 148 lakh metric tonnes, over 8,251 purchase centres are being opened across districts, backed by storage and logistics infrastructure.
Nalgonda: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said extensive preparations were underway for smooth Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations during the Rabi marketing season targeting a procurement of 90 lakh metric tonnes of paddy.
After a detailed assessment of paddy procurement issues at Huzurnagar market yard on Tuesday, the Minister said that the State government was fully gearing up for paddy procurement operations.
Telangana’s Rabi paddy production is projected to exceed 148 lakh metric tonnes. Accordingly, comprehensive arrangements have been made to handle the bumper harvest and protect farmers from distress sales, he stressed.
Over 8,251 paddy purchase centres (PPCs) are being opened across all districts, supported by modern infrastructure, adequate storage facilities, and seamless logistics. More than 16 crore gunny bags have been arranged, he stated.
The Minister emphasised zero tolerance for any hurdles in paddy movement to the PPCs. “Strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorised diversion and guarantee MSP rates of Rs.2,369 per quintal for common grade and Rs. 2,389 per quintal for fine varieties,” Uttam Kumar said.
Recalling the previous Kharif marketing season achievements, where the State procured around 72 lakh metric tonnes, the Minister said the government had remitted over Rs.19,500 crore directly to the accounts of farmers during the Kharif marketing season.
As part of the proactive preparations, a strict vigil would be maintained on the movement of paddy across the inter-State borders. Paddy from other States would not be allowed into purchase centres in Telangana, he added.
