HYDERABAD: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday stated that the Telangana Government had made elaborate preparations for the ongoing Rabi 2024–25 paddy procurement season. Addressing the ‘Telangana Rythu Mahotsavam’ in Nizamabad, he affirmed that all essential infrastructure—such as gunny bags, tarpaulin covers, calipers, dryers, and procurement centres—was fully in place across the state.
He assured that the government had taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth experience for farmers. “Gunny bags, weighing machines, grain calipers, and tarpaulins have been arranged in sufficient quantities. Every procurement centre is equipped to handle large quantities of paddy. The procurement process is being conducted transparently and with full accountability,” he said.
The minister noted that Telangana was poised to achieve the highest paddy procurement in the country, with a Rabi target of 70.13 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). This, when combined with the Vanakalam season’s 153.5 LMT, would bring the state’s total paddy output for 2024–25 to 281 LMT—making Telangana the largest contributor of paddy in India.
He informed that 8,329 procurement centres had been proposed for the season, with several districts including Nizamabad, Kamareddy, and Suryapet already achieving 100% operational status. The state’s total storage capacity currently stood at 64.65 LMT, of which 25 LMT was vacant. He added that additional storage was available with rice mills and could be supplemented by facilities from Agricultural Market Committees, the State Warehousing Corporation, and private godowns.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also mentioned that Agriculture Extension Officers and support staff had been trained to assess grain quality as per the prescribed standards. A three-tier appeal mechanism was in place to resolve any disputes between farmers and officials. Furthermore, the government was employing weather forecast alerts and mobile dryers to mitigate the impact of unseasonal rains. Farmers were advised to dry and clean their produce before bringing it to the procurement centres.
Reinforcing the Congress Government’s commitment to agricultural welfare, he highlighted that Telangana was the only state in India to provide free fine rice through the public distribution system (PDS) to 84% of its population. He criticised the previous regime for distributing substandard coarse rice and alleged that the PDS system was previously plagued by corruption. “We have ended that practice and ushered in a system that ensures high-quality rice for the poor,” he said.
“Telangana is now the only state in independent India that has achieved record paddy production while simultaneously distributing free fine rice to nearly 84% of its people,” he remarked. “In my long political career—as a six-time MLA and a former MP—I have never witnessed a food security initiative of this scale, benefiting around 3.10 crore people.”
He sharply criticised the previous BRS Government, alleging that despite spending ₹1.81 lakh crore on irrigation projects, they failed to bring significant ayacut under cultivation. “We focus on outcomes, not propaganda. Even with the collapse of Kaleshwaram’s Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, we are producing record paddy. This is the result of genuine planning,” he said.
The minister made a series of commitments to the people of the undivided Nizamabad district. He announced the revival of the Pranahita-Chevella project, which was originally meant to benefit northern Telangana. He confirmed that Package 22 of the project had been sanctioned with ₹22 crore, and that remaining works—including those under the Gupta Lift Irrigation Scheme—would soon be completed. The government would also evaluate new check dam proposals based on technical and financial feasibility.
He added that the government would soon initiate desiltation and dredging works for the Nizam Sagar and SRSP irrigation projects, with tenders to be called shortly. “Our goal is to bring one lakh additional acres under cultivation by reviving these historic irrigation systems. Nizam Sagar was a visionary initiative, and we are determined to restore it to its full potential,” he said.
Speaking about the ongoing ‘Telangana Rythu Mahotsavam’, he suggested that similar farmer awareness programmes be conducted in every Assembly constituency. “This initiative was earlier held in Mahabubnagar and now in Nizamabad. It’s a vital platform to engage with and educate farmers,” he said.
He further stated that the Congress Government prioritised tangible action over hollow promises and would deliver meaningful results without resorting to political theatrics.
Reflecting on his past engagements in Nizamabad—as Housing Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh, as PCC chief, and as a Member of Parliament—Uttam Kumar Reddy said he had consistently advocated for the establishment of a Turmeric Board. He criticised the BJP-led Central Government for failing to make the board functional, despite announcing it before elections. He said that the local BJP MP, Dharmapuri Arvind, owed an explanation to the people.
The event was also addressed by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, District Incharge Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, former Minister Sudarshan Reddy, Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir, former Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, MLAs Bhupati Reddy, Suryanarayana, and Rakesh Reddy, and MLC Anjaneya Reddy. All speakers extended their support to the government’s initiatives and urged farmers to make full use of the available resources and schemes.
