Hyderabad: Telangana rice is being exported to eight states, with demand rising nationwide, Food Corporation of India (FCI) Consultative Committee Chairperson and BJP MP D.K. Aruna said on Thursday.
Chairing the first meeting of the Telangana state consultative committee at HACA Bhavan, Aruna said discussions were held with officials on FCI operations, procurement bottlenecks, godown maintenance, and storage gaps. She noted an annual increase in grain procurement in the state, attributing the trend to improved market preference for Telangana-milled rice.
Aruna flagged a persistent shortage of godowns in Telangana amid swelling procurement volumes. With support prices rising, more farmers are selling directly to FCI, she said, adding that the need for expanded warehousing infrastructure has become urgent.
The MP noted that since 2014, the Centre had delegated grain procurement responsibilities to states, while continuing to fund the process in full. Proposals are being prepared for constructing new godowns in key areas, she added.
Pledging to work “as a force multiplier” in the development of FCI operations in Telangana, Aruna said she would ensure seamless support for farmers and consumers through the agency. She announced plans to convene quarterly reviews with officials and thanked the Centre for appointing her to lead the panel.