Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy criticized the Telangana government on Saturday for its inadequate management of paddy procurement,which he claims has severely impacted farmers. During a press conference at the BJP State office,he noted that while the state announced 8,775 procurement centers, only 7,180 are operational.
Reddy pointed out that farmers are facing significant delays in selling their produce,often waiting between 20 to 40 days in market yards due to logistical issues. He attributed these problems to a lack of gunny bags,transportation, and storage facilities, which he said have forced farmers into distress sales. Reports indicate that traders are purchasing paddy for as low as ₹1,700 per quintal, well below the minimum support price.
He further alleged that the state is diverting high-quality rice procured in Telangana to other regions while lower-quality rice is returned for distribution through the public distribution system (PDS). Reddy emphasized that these issues stem from poor planning and inefficiency, exacerbated by untimely rains that have led to crop losses during the harvest season .
The Union Minister expressed concern over the lack of attention from state ministers,who he claimed failed to visit procurement centers until the BJP's ‘Rythula Gosa -BJP Bharosa’ campaign prompted action. He questioned why Telangana government had not completed procurement despite an agreement with Centre to supply 52.24 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI),which corresponds to nearly 53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy.
Additionally,Reddy sought clarification on non-payment of bonuses promised to Rabi farmers who cultivated fine rice varieties, known as Sanna vadlu. He criticized Congress party for initially pledging bonuses for ten crops during elections,then scaling back to one crop, and now failing to deliver even for Rabi farmers .
