Hyderabad: Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to accelerate MSP operations Telangana and streamline logistics for paddy procurement during the Rabi season.
At a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday, the Minister asked departments to work in mission mode. He said the focus must remain on ensuring hassle-free procurement for farmers.
He noted that paddy arrivals had increased in about 20 districts. However, procurement has not yet started in 13 districts due to delayed transplantation.
MSP operations Telangana scaled up for Rabi season
Uttam Kumar Reddy said arrangements were in place to procure up to 90 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. He added that over 5,000 procurement centres were already operational.
Furthermore, officials plan to open more than 3,500 additional centres soon. So far, 4.89 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been procured.
To manage storage, officials identified intermediary capacity for 12 lakh metric tonnes. In addition, districts received allocation for 20 lakh metric tonnes of boiled rice paddy.
The Minister said around 16 crore gunny bags had been positioned to meet procurement needs. He directed officials to deploy cleaners and dryers at centres to address moisture issues.
He also asked departments to ensure adequate manpower and avoid delays in testing and weighment. Meanwhile, he stressed the need to strengthen transport arrangements for timely lifting of paddy.
Uttam Kumar Reddy ordered strict monitoring at inter-state check posts to prevent inflow from neighbouring states. He emphasised coordination between Civil Supplies, Marketing, and district authorities.
He said farmers must receive payments without delay. He also directed officials to ensure smooth procurement without backlogs during the season.
Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra and other officials attended the meeting.