Uttam Kumar Reddy orders cyclone emergency plan to protect Telangana paddy procurement

Hyderabad: Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has announced emergency measures to safeguard Telangana paddy procurement as Cyclone Montha approaches with warnings of heavy unseasonal rain.

Ministers coordinate emergency response for cyclone impact

On Monday, Uttam Kumar Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao chaired a high-level meeting in Hyderabad. They reviewed state preparedness at the Dr Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute. Chief Secretary S. Ramakrishna Rao, Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan, Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra, and other senior officials were present. District Collectors joined through video conference.

The minister instructed all departments to stay alert and work in sync to avoid disruption. “Farmers must not face losses,” he said. He told officials to cover paddy stocks with tarpaulins and move them to rice mills without delay. He also pushed for better coordination in transport and logistics.

Harvest halted, centres expanded, and checks tightened

Due to the approaching storm, the minister advised stopping harvesting in rain-hit areas to prevent damage. So far, Telangana has procured 1,80,452 metric tonnes of paddy from 22,433 farmers, worth ₹431.09 crore. This includes 73,628 metric tonnes of coarse grain and 1,06,824 of fine grain.

Of 8,342 approved procurement centres, 4,428 are active. Officials must open the remaining 3,814 without delay. He directed them to clear farmer payments quickly and keep a close watch on all centres.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also warned against any corruption. “We will take strict action on complaints,” he said. He asked collectors and civil supplies officers to inspect centres daily and fix problems on the spot.

15 days crucial to protect crops, says minister

While addressing officials from Civil Supplies, FCI, Agriculture, and Marketing departments, the minister said the next 10 to 15 days were critical. “This is a real test,” he said, stressing the need for fast, fair procurement of paddy, maize, and cotton.

Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra will be on duty round-the-clock. Uttam Kumar Reddy said he, too, is available for urgent contact.

He told district teams to act fast, even if emergency spending is required. “We’ll approve the costs later. Just protect the farmers now,” he said. He made it clear that the government would not accept any failure that harms farmers’ interests.