Hyderabad: Telangana paddy procurement is set to surpass last year’s record. The State has already procured 70.06 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of Rabi paddy and is likely to cross the 75 LMT mark in the coming days.
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said procurement centres still need to purchase 4.95 LMT. He added that fresh arrivals from fields over the next week could push Telangana paddy procurement beyond last year’s record of 74.2 LMT.
The Minister reviewed procurement operations with officials in Hyderabad on Wednesday. He directed district collectors and Civil Supplies authorities to remove bottlenecks quickly in districts where procurement continues.
Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed confidence that Telangana paddy procurement would finish above last year’s level. He said the State could achieve the target despite weather challenges and a shortage of hamalis.
Telangana paddy procurement enters final phase
The Minister asked officials to focus on Nizamabad, Nirmal, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy and Vikarabad districts. Paddy arrivals in these districts may continue for another ten days.
He directed district administrations to complete procurement before the monsoon gains strength.
“Push the districts to finish procurement before the monsoon gains momentum. Farmers should not suffer because of weather-related disruptions,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
The Minister said procurement operations were nearing completion in several districts. He added that Suryapet and Nalgonda could finish procurement within the next two days.
The Minister also reviewed storage arrangements. He instructed officials to resolve capacity shortages immediately wherever they existed.
Officials informed him that they had identified additional storage facilities in districts facing space constraints.
Telangana paddy procurement review covers worker welfare
Uttam Kumar Reddy reviewed the movement of Custom Milled Rice (CMR). He directed officials to speed up transportation and storage operations. The move will help centres handle fresh paddy arrivals without disruption.
He also assessed procurement centres and reviewed the welfare of hamalis and support staff.
The Minister directed officials to examine proposals that would improve worker welfare. These proposals include insurance coverage and other social security benefits.
He appreciated procurement staff, transport workers and labourers for working round the clock during the season.
The Minister also instructed officials to improve working conditions for hamalis and strengthen welfare support.
He asked officials to provide insurance coverage against accidents and unforeseen incidents. Officials noted that the Indira Kutumba Jeevitha Bhima scheme already covers workers who hold ration cards.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government remained committed to supporting frontline workers. He said these workers play a crucial role in maintaining Telangana’s procurement and supply chain system.