Hyderabad: Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday directed district collectors to ensure flawless execution and coordination for paddy procurement in Telangana. The state is preparing to launch what officials describe as India’s largest grain procurement operation for the Kharif season.
Alongside Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao, Reddy held a video conference from the Secretariat to review the state’s preparedness. Telangana recorded its highest-ever paddy yield at 148.03 lakh metric tonnes. Consequently, the state aims to procure 80 lakh metric tonnes, equally divided between fine and coarse varieties, grown across 66.8 lakh acres. The expected procurement value ranges between Rs 22,000 crore and Rs 23,000 crore.
Reddy told officials to approach the exercise in mission mode. He urged them to prevent delays at procurement centres and to provide essential services such as water, shelter, and sanitation. Moreover, he authorised immediate infrastructure spending where needed and assured post-facto approvals.
Procurement centres in paddy-growing districts begin operations
Paddy procurement Telangana operations are already underway in key districts like Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Medak, Siddipet, and Nalgonda. As of mid-October, 1,205 centres have begun functioning. In total, the government approved 8,342 centres, including 4,259 through PACS, 3,517 by IKP groups, and 566 via other agencies.
Each centre will receive calibrated weighing scales, moisture meters, tarpaulins, dryers, and digital callipers. District officials must address any equipment gaps without delay. Reddy stressed that all procurement data should be entered promptly to enable payment within 48 to 72 hours.
For 2025–26, the MSP has been set at Rs 2,389 per quintal for Grade A and Rs 2,369 for the common variety. In addition, the government will pay a Rs 500 bonus per quintal for fine paddy sold at state-notified centres.
Reddy asked field officials to finalise transport contractors early to prevent delays. Furthermore, he directed them to create separate arrangements for fine and coarse paddy to avoid confusion at milling units. Daily weather updates are being shared through a dedicated app, and staff must respond quickly during dry spells to complete weighing and cover grain when necessary.
Transport Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao praised previous inter-departmental coordination and called on collectors to build on those results. He encouraged them to assess labour, bag, and transport needs in advance. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary S. Ramakrishna Rao reviewed logistics district-wise and asked officials to monitor procurement and milling closely.
To support farmers, control rooms and helplines are active in all districts. Supervisory teams have been deployed at the mandal and PPC levels. Reddy reaffirmed that this procurement drive is a matter of state pride and declared his and the Civil Supplies Commissioner’s full-time availability for operational support.