Hyderabad: Telangana rice exports push took centre stage in the Assembly as Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined a long-term strategy to make the state a global rice powerhouse and secure higher farmer returns.
The Minister said Telangana rice exports form part of a structured plan to enter global markets and secure premium pricing. He made this statement during a heated Assembly session on Monday while countering criticism from BRS deputy floor leader T. Harish Rao.
Uttam Kumar Reddy accused Harish Rao of trying to discredit the government’s flagship initiative. He alleged that Harish Rao earlier recommended individuals for rice export activities and said any probe must examine his past role.
Telangana rice exports achieve record pricing milestone
Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana rice exports reached a major milestone with the shipment of 22,750 metric tonnes of rice to the Philippines under a government-to-government deal.
The consignment fetched Rs.3,600 per quintal, which he said was the highest price secured for this variety in any Indian export market. In contrast, FCI auctions in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh failed to attract buyers even at Rs.3,000 per quintal.
As a result, Telangana rice exports helped the state avoid an estimated loss of Rs.13 crore. The Minister said this outcome proved the strength of the state’s pricing and export strategy.
Telangana rice exports backed by strong procurement levels
Uttam Kumar Reddy said strong procurement supported rice exports. The state currently holds 86 lakh metric tonnes of rice in storage.
Despite limited FCI offtake, the government continued procurement from farmers. The civil supplies corporation purchased 72 lakh metric tonnes during the Kharif season. He described this as the highest-ever procurement for that season.
He said steady procurement ensured assured prices for farmers. It also allowed the government to channel surplus stocks into rice exports.
Telangana rice exports aim for global market integration
The Minister said rice exports aim to place the state alongside leading exporters such as Thailand and Vietnam. He described the initiative as a decisive step toward global market integration.
He added that the policy focuses on better price realisation for farmers while expanding the state’s global trade presence.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that rice exports will expand under a long-term roadmap to strengthen the agricultural economy and increase farmer incomes.