HYDERABAD: The Government of Telangana has launched an extensive paddy procurement operation for the Rabi 2024-25–25 season, setting a target of 70.13 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs). This follows an estimated paddy output of 127.50 LMTs cultivated across 57 lakh acres, placing the state at the forefront of India’s paddy-producing regions.
In the previous Vanakalam season, Telangana produced 153.5 LMTs from 66.7 lakh acres. With both Vanakalam and Yasangi seasons combined, the total paddy output for 2024–25 is projected to reach 281 LMTs – marking the highest annual paddy production by any state in the country.
Speaking to District Collectors via video conference from Civil Supplies Bhavan on Saturday, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the state was witnessing a bumper harvest. “We are in a situation of plenty. After a smooth and nearly flawless Vanakalam procurement, we must now execute Yasangi procurement with equal or greater efficiency,” he said.
The Minister urged officials to act swiftly amid unseasonal rains reported in multiple districts. He warned that such weather fluctuations could damage harvested or standing crops if not procured in time. “This is why we must act efficiently and quickly – any delay could mean losses for our farmers,” he cautioned, stressing the need for intensified field-level monitoring and infrastructure readiness at Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs).
As of 18 April, 8.51 LMTs of paddy had arrived at procurement centres, with 5.77 LMTs already procured – 3.79 LMTs of fine variety (Sanna) and 1.98 LMTs of coarse (Doddu). A total of 63,887 farmers had benefitted so far, and payments including bonuses were being processed. An additional 2.74 LMTs of paddy remained to be lifted from PPCs.
To meet the target, 7,337 PPCs have been activated out of the proposed 8,329 – achieving 88% operational readiness. These centres are being operated by Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP) groups, and other partner organisations. Districts such as Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Nalgonda, and Siddipet have reported full PPC functionality.
Essential procurement equipment including grain callipers, electronic weighing scales, tarpaulins, paddy cleaners, moisture meters, and husk removers have been distributed. Of the required 17.5 crore gunny bags (9.45 crore new and 8.05 crore reused), 9.23 crore are currently available. Collectors were instructed to report and resolve any infrastructure deficiencies without delay.
Telangana’s total storage capacity stands at 64.65 LMTs, with 25 LMTs currently vacant and additional space available in rice mills. Further storage can be arranged via Agricultural Market Committees, the State Warehousing Corporation, and private godowns.
To ensure transparency and prevent malpractice, the Minister said a robust, multi-tiered monitoring mechanism had been established. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have been asked to personally supervise procurement operations, prevent premature harvesting, and ensure staggered crop arrivals. The Online Procurement Management System (OPMS) is being used to track transactions in real time, verify millers, and expedite payments.
A strict ban has been enforced on paddy inflow from other states. “No paddy from outside Telangana will be allowed. We must ensure our farmers alone benefit,” Reddy said. CCTV cameras are operational at inter-state check-posts to prevent illegal transport.
Only millers with valid agreements, bank guarantees, and no outstanding dues are permitted to participate in procurement. The Minister added that mill tagging would be based on scientific route optimisation rather than favouritism.
Field officers have been trained to identify fine-quality paddy (Sannarakam) using kernel size metrics and micrometres. A three-tier dispute resolution mechanism is in place at Mandal, District, and State levels. Collectors were also directed to monitor both local and social media for misinformation, particularly concerning broken rice percentages. “The Food Corporation of India allows up to 25% broken rice. Telangana is well within that norm,” he clarified.
Awareness campaigns are underway to educate farmers about the Minimum Support Price (MSP), bonus rates, and FAQ norms. Farmers were advised to dry and clean their paddy properly before transport. Officials were encouraged to procure additional dryers to reduce moisture levels. “The more dryers we have, the less moisture we’ll face,” Reddy noted.
All PPCs are being equipped with shaded structures, drinking water, and ORS packets to support farmers during heatwave conditions.
Meanwhile, Telangana is progressing with its commitment to export 1 LMT of rice to the Philippines. In Phase I, 12,500 metric tonnes have already been shipped, with Phase II in progress. District-wise quotas are in place to ensure timely fulfilment.
The procurement drive is expected to peak in April and May, with 27.32 LMTs targeted for April and 34.21 LMTs in May. The remaining 8.6% of procurement will be completed in March and June.
Panchayat Raj Minister D. Seethakka, who also joined the conference, underscored the rural focus of the initiative. “This is our peak month when we must give it everything. The entire rural procurement system must work at full throttle,” she said.
Principal Secretary and Civil Supplies Commissioner DS Chauhan lauded the efforts during the previous season. “Public representatives themselves reported that no complaints were received from farmers after procurement. That’s the standard we must uphold again,” he said.
Later, District Collectors briefed the Minister on procurement progress in their regions, highlighted local issues, and sought guidance for timely resolution.
Telangana Set For Another Record Paddy Production; Reviewed Rabi Procurement Readiness
The Government of Telangana has launched a large-scale paddy procurement operation for the Rabi 2024–25 season, setting a target of 70.13 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs). pic.twitter.com/evOvTSOhZY
— Uttam Kumar Reddy (@UttamINC) April 19, 2025