Telangana sets 90 lakh MT paddy target for Rabi season: Uttam

Every grain will be procured at the government-fixed MSP without any distress sales

Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy unveiled a comprehensive action plan to achieve unprecedented paddy procurement target of 90 lakh metric tonnes during the ongoing Rabi season.

Addressing officials, including additional collectors, district civil supplies officers, and district managers of the Civil Supplies Corporation at a preparatory meeting for Rabi season here on Monday, the Minister projected paddy cultivation across 54.48 lakh acres, yielding an estimated 152.03 lakh metric tonnes.

The Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited has set an ambitious target of procuring 90 lakh metric tonnes—60 LMT coarse and 30 LMT fine—at the government-fixed Minimum Support price. To facilitate seamless, farmer-friendly operations, the state will establish 8,251 paddy purchase centres operated by IKP, PACS, and others, equipped with modern tools, adequate storage, transport, and weather vigilance measures, he said.

Emphasising zero distress sales, the Minister assured full procurement of every grain, backed by robust monitoring, godown identification, and on-ground support to safeguard farmers' interests.

He assured farmers that every grain will be procured at the government-fixed MSP without any distress sales. There will be unprecedented network of 8,251 paddy purchase centres in Telangana. This massive decentralised network is designed to minimise  hassles for farmers and enable on-the-spot procurement with modern facilities, Uttam Kumar Reddy said.

The Minister reiterated the MSP rates fixed for the season at Rs 2,389 per quintal for Grade A and Rs 2,369 per quintal for common variety. These rates, the Minister stressed, will provide a significant boost to farmers’ income and act as a safety net against market fluctuations.

Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined key measures that officials must implement immediately to achieve the “record level procurement” target. All procurement will strictly adhere to the announced MSP rates, ensuring transparency and farmer confidence. Sufficient gunny bags (gunnies) have already been positioned across centres. Officials have been directed to arrange adequate vehicles well in advance for seamless movement of paddy from PPCs to rice mills.