Telangana procures 71.64 lakh tonnes of paddy during Kharif season, says Uttam

Telangana has procured 71.64 lakh metric tonnes of paddy worth Rs 19,000 crore during the Kharif season, benefiting over 15 lakh farmers. Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the government is drafting policies to promote export-oriented rice production, positioning the State for bulk shipments after meeting domestic needs.

Hyderabad: Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the State government procured 71.64 lakh metric tonnes of paddy worth Rs 19,000 crores during the Kharif season, benefiting over 15 lakh farmers.

The government is drafting policies to promote export-oriented rice production and boost exports, as Telangana has potential for bulk rice shipments after meeting domestic requirements under the PDS and local consumption.

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An overhaul of the Public Distribution System has addressed earlier problems such as poor quality grain and black market diversion, ensuring stricter controls on both quality and quantity, he said, adding that the combined Central and State storage capacity stands at 29 lakh metric tonnes, managed by the Food Corporation of India and State warehousing corporations, through gaps in quality have resulted in losses to the government.

Plans are being drawn up to upgrade storage infrastructure through Central assistance and private partnerships, with modern facilities expected to ensure better moisture control, reduced handling losses and integration of advanced technology, he added.