Centre fully backing Telangana farmers: Kishan Reddy

Kishan Reddy said the Central Government had permitted the procurement of 53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from Telangana and had been extending full financial support for procurement, milling and delivery of rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI)

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, accompanied by BJP MPs, MLAs and MLCs from Telangana, met Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum seeking immediate intervention to address farmers' distress arising from paddy procurement issues in the State.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Kishan Reddy said the Central Government had permitted the procurement of 53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from Telangana and had been extending full financial support for procurement, milling and delivery of rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). However, he alleged that the State Government had failed to establish an efficient procurement system, resulting in hardships for farmers and triggering protests.

He said the State Government is responsible for procuring paddy, ensuring milling and delivering rice to the FCI, while the Centre reimburses the related expenditure. He claimed Telangana lacks adequate procurement infrastructure, including gunny bags, warehouses and a well functioning rice milling network.

Kishan Reddy alleged that the State had made poor progress in meeting FCI delivery targets for both Kharif and Rabi seasons and accused both the previous BRS government and the present Congress government of neglecting procurement infrastructure while blaming the Centre.

Highlighting Central assistance, he said the National Cooperative Development Corporation has extended Rs 1.16 lakh crore in loans to Telangana over the past 12 years for paddy procurement. He added that Rs 37,000 crore was provided for the 2025 and 2026 procurement season, including Rs 22,700 crore released so far this year.

He asserted that the Centre remains committed to supporting Telangana's farmers irrespective of the party in power and urged the State Government to strengthen procurement infrastructure instead of indulging in political blame games.