Telangana government is pro-farmer and committed to paddy procurement: Damodar Raja Narasimha

Hyderabad: Telangana Medical, Health, Family Welfare and Science and Technology Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha said the Telangana government pro-farmer policy clearly demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests. He inaugurated a paddy procurement centre organised by the District Civil Supplies Corporation at the Jogipet market yard on Wednesday.

Government assures paddy purchase at fixed price

Raja Narasimha said the government would buy every grain of paddy cultivated by farmers. Moreover, he urged them not to rely on middlemen or fall victim to cheating. According to him, the government has already set up 216 procurement centres across Sangareddy district to ensure easy access for all farmers.

In addition, the minister said the government was offering a ₹500 bonus per quintal to promote the cultivation of fine variety paddy. He emphasised that payments were being credited directly into farmers’ accounts within 24 hours of procurement, ensuring transparency and trust.

Farmer organisations encouraged to set up centres

The minister explained that cooperative societies, IKP groups, DCMS units, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) could also open procurement centres. Furthermore, he assured that if more farmer groups come forward, the government will expand the number of centres to meet local demand.

He pointed out that almost every village in the Andole constituency has ponds and tanks supporting agriculture. In this context, he recalled that during 2005–06, the late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy developed the Singur canals, which brought 40,000 acres of land under irrigation.

Telangana boosts irrigation and agriculture in Sangareddy

Raja Narasimha said paddy and cotton remained the main crops in Andole and Sangareddy. Therefore, the government has been strengthening irrigation facilities to ensure continuous agricultural growth. He noted that such measures were crucial for sustaining rural incomes and improving productivity.

Additionally, the minister reiterated that the Congress government would continue to prioritise farmer welfare and fair procurement practices.

Among those present were Additional Collector (Revenue) Madhuri, Andole RDO Pandu, MARKFED Director Sheri Jagan Mohan Reddy, Market Committee Chairman Jagan Mohan Reddy, former councillors Surender Goud, Ranga Suresh, Akula Chittibabu, PACS Chairman Narender Reddy, and former sarpanch Ashok.