Hyderabad: Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to speed up MSP operations Telangana and streamline logistics for paddy procurement during the Rabi season.
At a review meeting at the Secretariat on Friday, he asked departments to work in mission mode. He said the focus must remain on ensuring smooth and hassle-free procurement for farmers.
He noted that paddy arrivals had increased in about 20 districts. However, procurement had not started in 13 districts due to delayed transplantation.
Rabi push strengthens MSP operations Telangana
The minister said arrangements were in place to procure up to 90 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. He added that more than 5,000 procurement centres were already operational.
Officials also planned to open over 3,500 additional centres soon. So far, 4.89 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had been procured.
To manage storage, authorities identified intermediary capacity for 12 lakh metric tonnes. In addition, districts received allocation for 20 lakh metric tonnes of boiled rice paddy.
He said around 16 crore gunny bags had been positioned to meet procurement demand. He directed officials to deploy cleaners and dryers to address moisture issues.
Moreover, he asked departments to ensure adequate manpower and avoid delays in testing and weighment. He also stressed strengthening transport systems for timely lifting of paddy.
Uttam Kumar Reddy ordered strict monitoring at inter-state check posts to prevent inflow from neighbouring states. He emphasised coordination between Civil Supplies, Marketing, and district authorities.
He said farmers must receive payments without delay. He added that procurement should continue smoothly without backlogs during the season.
Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra and other officials attended the meeting.
