Hyderabad: The Telangana government is preparing to introduce sorghum (jowar) distribution through the Public Distribution System along with rice for ration card holders.
The government has accelerated preliminary arrangements for the new initiative. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka directed officials to make sorghum and maize procured through MARKFED available to people through ration shops.
The government also plans to include sorghum in meals served at government gurukuls and welfare hostels. Officials said the move aims to improve nutritional intake among students and the general public.
The state government believes that increasing the use of millets and nutritious grains can help reduce nutritional deficiencies among people.
Sorghum distribution linked to farmer support measures
The government also decided to support farmers cultivating sorghum and maize by ensuring remunerative prices for their produce.
A Cabinet sub-committee resolved that the state would procure sorghum and maize directly from farmers due to falling market prices.
Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageshwar Rao said the state would carry out procurement using its own funds even without Central support.
Officials plan to establish special procurement centres across Telangana to purchase crops cultivated during the Rabi 2026 season.
తెలంగాణ ప్రభుత్వం రేషన్తో పాటు జొన్నలను కూడా పీడీఎస్లో పంపిణీ చేస్తూ, రైతులను ఆదుకునేందుకు రాష్ట్ర నిధులతో జొన్నలను నేరుగా కొనుగోలు చేయాలని నిర్ణయించింది. pic.twitter.com/a9LDWDUrhA
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