Uttam Kumar Reddy directs completion of paddy procurement in Suryapet

Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana's paddy procurement drive was progressing well, with 64 lakh metric tonnes procured so far. He directed officials to complete procurement in Suryapet this week and assured farmers of continued government support.

Nalgonda: Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the State Government’s massive paddy procurement drive was paying off and directed officials to complete procurement in Suryapet by this week. He said that after the special drive was launched, a major portion of the stocks had been lifted from purchase centres and shifted to rice mills. He assured farmers that the government machinery would continue working round the clock until all stocks were purchased and moved to mills.

The Minister inspected operations at procurement centres in Thirumalagiri and Phanigiri in Suryapet district. “The massive procurement exercise is paying off. Large quantities of paddy have already been moved to mills, reducing pressure on procurement centres,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said. So far, nearly 64 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy have been procured through 8,575 procurement centres. “Even rain-soaked paddy is being purchased at the Minimum Support Price. Farmers need not worry,” the Minister said.

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He said the government had already transferred Rs 11,500 crore directly into the accounts of 9.31 lakh farmers. To overcome transport shortages, the government had directed officials to deploy all available lorries and heavy vehicles for paddy movement until procurement was completed, he said. The Minister criticised the Centre’s procurement policy. “While Telangana is ready to procure up to 75 LMT, the Union Government is agreeing to purchase only about 51 LMT, forcing the State to bear a heavy financial burden,” he said.