Hyderabad: Agricultural experts and scientists have urged the Telangana government to promote Premium paddy varieties that offer strong demand in domestic and international markets.
The recommendation came during a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at Praja Bhavan on Monday.
Ministers D. Sridhar Babu, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Tummala Nageswara Rao attended the meeting.
The committee reviewed agricultural production, paddy procurement, storage facilities and preparations for the upcoming Kharif season.
Scientists and professors from agricultural universities presented recommendations aimed at improving farm incomes and strengthening market opportunities.
Premium paddy varieties can boost farmer incomes
Experts recommended large-scale cultivation of eight Premium paddy varieties across Telangana.
The varieties include BPT 5204, Telangana Sona (RNR 15048), KNM-1638, Jai Sriram, HMT, WGL 962, WGL 44 and JGL 1798.
Scientists said these varieties enjoy strong consumer demand and offer better returns to farmers.
They noted that farmers could receive prices significantly higher than the Minimum Support Price because of strong market preference.
According to the experts, these varieties are also suitable for export markets.
They said rice produced from these varieties remains popular in the United States, Australia and several European countries.
The experts added that sufficient seed stocks are available, making large-scale cultivation possible.
Premium paddy varieties suitable for export markets
Agricultural scientists said promoting these varieties could help farmers earn higher incomes while reducing risks linked to market fluctuations.
They urged the government to organise awareness programmes in villages to encourage cultivation.
Vice-Chancellors of agricultural universities told the committee that expanding cultivation of Premium paddy varieties would benefit both farmers and agricultural markets.
They said the initiative could help Telangana move towards a more profitable paddy cultivation model.
Officials from the Civil Supplies Department informed the committee that several fine rice varieties currently grown in the state lacked strong market acceptance.
Some varieties produce a high percentage of broken rice during milling, while others do not match consumer preferences.
As a result, traders and millers often show limited interest in purchasing them.
Premium paddy varieties to guide future crop planning
Officials suggested that the government should promote only those varieties preferred by consumers, millers and exporters.
They also recommended gradually reducing cultivation of varieties with weak market demand.
The committee was informed that paddy procurement should continue in accordance with Central government policies.
Agriculture officials stressed that future crop promotion strategies should align with market demand.
They said such an approach would help prevent losses and improve profitability for farmers.
The experts reiterated that expanding cultivation of Premium paddy varieties would support exports, strengthen market competitiveness and enhance farm incomes across Telangana.