Hyderabad: The Telangana government is preparing a Rice export policy with incentives to help millers expand into global and inter-state markets, reducing dependence on central procurement agencies while creating better income opportunities for farmers, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Monday.
Speaking at the launch of KCP Nutri’s Multi-Vitamin Rice range in Hyderabad, the Minister said the proposed Rice export policy would encourage value addition and strengthen Telangana’s position as one of India’s leading paddy-producing states. He said the government would support genuine exporters and facilitate required approvals for businesses that meet quality standards.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Food Corporation of India procures rice mainly to protect farmers and not for exports. Therefore, Telangana intends to create new opportunities by promoting exports and helping the industry reach international markets.
The Minister welcomed the launch of fortified multi-vitamin rice and said such products improve nutrition while increasing the value of rice produced in the state. He added that innovation would strengthen both the food-processing sector and farmers’ incomes.
Rice export policy aims to expand new markets
Highlighting the state’s procurement performance, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana procured 81 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the recently concluded Yasangi (Rabi) season. In comparison, neighbouring Andhra Pradesh procured 25 lakh metric tonnes despite having a larger geographical area.
He urged rice millers and entrepreneurs to adopt a long-term business strategy by exploring markets outside Telangana and overseas. Moreover, he encouraged the industry to introduce innovative products that meet changing consumer preferences in domestic and international markets.
The Minister assured businesses that the government would extend full support to industries following quality norms and regulatory standards. He also reiterated that Telangana would facilitate necessary permissions for exporters seeking to expand beyond domestic markets.
Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed satisfaction that an innovative value-added rice product was launched in Hyderabad. Finally, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting progressive agricultural and food-processing policies that benefit farmers, millers and consumers alike.
