Telangana planning foodgrain buffer for 3.42 crore PDS beneficiaries: Uttam Kumar reddy

Telangana is planning a foodgrain security buffer for 3.42 crore PDS beneficiaries amid El Nino concerns and rising rice prices. Officials estimate that existing stocks and pending receipts will meet combined welfare requirements until September 2027, while additional essential commodities are under consideration.

Hyderabad: Amid concerns over retail rice prices touching Rs 100 a kg, Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the State government was planning to maintain a foodgrain security buffer to protect 3.42 crore Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries against possible drought, crop losses and rising food prices amid the anticipated El Nino impact.

At a high-level review meeting here on Monday, the Minister directed officials to plan procurement and stock management well in advance to ensure uninterrupted supplies, even if deficient rainfall affected the coming agricultural seasons.

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Reviewing rice stocks and procurement plans, Uttam Kumar stressed the need to prepare for adverse seasonal conditions rather than depend entirely on the forthcoming paddy harvest.

Telangana requires around 2.38 lakh metric tonnes of rice every month, or 28.56 lakh metric tonnes annually, to meet the combined requirements of the Central Pool, Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) and State Pool. These include supplies for the Mid-Day Meal programme and other welfare schemes.

As of October 16, 2026, the Civil Supplies Department had 9.64 lakh metric tonnes of rice in its buffer godowns. This included 3.50 lakh metric tonnes under the Central Pool and OWS and 6.14 lakh metric tonnes under the State Pool.

Another 18.39 lakh metric tonnes was expected through pending Custom Milled Rice (CMR) deliveries and other identified supplies.

Taking existing stocks and pending receipts together, the department estimated total availability at 28.03 lakh metric tonnes, sufficient to meet combined PDS and other welfare requirements until September 2027.

The Minister said the food security of millions of beneficiaries must remain protected even if future crops were affected by natural calamities.

Uttam Kumar also reviewed a proposal to distribute selected essential commodities, including wheat flour, through the PDS to cushion households against potential price increases during the anticipated period of hardship.

Officials presented financial estimates for different distribution models, including supplies at subsidised rates. The commodities under consideration include wheat flour, red gram, palm oil, sugar, tamarind, chilli powder and other essentials.

The department was asked to calculate the quantities required per beneficiary, identify procurement arrangements and assess the financial burden before placing the proposal for a decision.