Rabi procurement drive in two weeks, govt ramps up storage

Metro India News | Hyderabad

With the 2025–26 Rabi paddy procurement set to begin in two weeks, Civil Supplies Commissioner M. Stephen Ravindra on Saturday directed the district collectors to immediately identify and prepare additional storage facilities across the state. At a meeting with the rice millers here at Civil Supplies Bhavan, the Commissioner stressed seamless procurement with a focus on transport, quick unloading, and adequate deployment of labor at the purchase centers to avoid delays for farmers. Millers assured full cooperation with the government.

To address packaging needs, millers were asked to return 10 crore old gunny bags out of the 35 crore pending stock. Officials also finalized Kharif 2025-26 FCI accounts, approving allocation of 3.5 lakh metric tonnes of Custom Milling Rice (CMR) from 5.22 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. The government has cleared pending milling charges in 10 districts, while representations from millers on dues and issues have been taken up for review. Authorities said all measures are being closely monitored to ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement for farmers across Telangana.