Hyderabad: Telangana rice exports achieved record pricing, with Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy outlining a global strategy and targeting BRS leader T. Harish Rao in the Assembly.
During a heated session on Monday, the Minister said the initiative was part of a structured plan to enter global markets and secure better returns for farmers. He made the remarks while countering criticism from Harish Rao.
Uttam Kumar Reddy accused Harish Rao of attempting to discredit the programme. He alleged that the BRS leader had earlier recommended individuals for export activities and said any probe should examine his role.
He said the state marked a major milestone with a shipment of 22,750 metric tonnes to the Philippines under a government-to-government agreement.
The consignment fetched Rs. 3,600 per quintal, which he described as the highest price secured for this variety in any Indian export market. In comparison, FCI auctions in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh failed to attract buyers even at Rs. 3,000 per quintal.
As a result, the state avoided an estimated loss of Rs. 13 crore. He said this demonstrated the effectiveness of the pricing strategy.
Telangana rice exports backed by procurement strength
Uttam Kumar Reddy said strong procurement supported the export push. The state currently holds 86 lakh metric tonnes of rice in stock.
Despite limited offtake by the Food Corporation of India, the government continued procurement. The civil supplies corporation purchased 72 lakh metric tonnes during the Kharif season, marking the highest-ever procurement.
He said this ensured assured prices for farmers and allowed surplus stocks to be channelled into global markets. Therefore, the state could maintain stable returns while expanding trade.
The Minister said the plan aims to position Telangana alongside leading exporters such as Thailand and Vietnam. He described it as a step toward global market integration.
He added that the policy focuses on better price realisation for farmers while increasing the state’s presence in international trade.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that exports would expand under a long-term roadmap. He said this would strengthen the agricultural economy and improve farmer incomes.
