Hyderabad: Labour and Mines Minister Dr G. Vivek Venkataswamy assured farmers that the Telangana government would procure every grain harvested this season under an expanded grain procurement target.
The minister made the remarks during his visit to the IKP grain procurement centre at Tekumatla in Jaipur mandal of Mancherial district. He inspected procurement operations and interacted directly with farmers.
Vivek Venkataswamy said this season recorded an exceptionally good crop yield across the region.
According to the minister, the government procured 1.10 lakh tonnes during the previous season. However, authorities extended procurement operations until June 6 this year with a grain procurement target of 1.70 lakh tonnes.
Grain procurement target backed with storage facilities
The minister said authorities prepared three warehouses in Peddapalli for smooth grain storage operations.
He acknowledged minor delays caused by shortages of hamalis and transport lorries. However, he said officials were taking immediate steps to address the issues.
Vivek Venkataswamy stated that the government had already approached Singareni Collieries seeking additional vehicles for transportation support.
The minister also criticised BRS leaders and accused them of attempting to create unrest despite ongoing procurement operations.
According to Vivek, BRS leaders were trying to provoke farmers into protests after facing political rejection from the public.
He warned that the government would not tolerate attempts to damage public property or violate law and order for political purposes. The minister said authorities would initiate strict legal action in such cases.
Referring to BRS leader Balka Suman, Vivek Venkataswamy demanded clarification regarding claims about spending Rs 100 crore during the last elections.
The minister asserted that the Congress government remained committed to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring smooth procurement operations across Telangana.