The Telangana government has achieved a significant milestone by procuring a record 65.1 lakh tonnes of paddy worth Rs 13,383 crore from 11 lakh farmers during the ongoing Yasangi (Rabi) season. The proactive measures taken by the state government, including the early opening of procurement centers, have facilitated speedy paddy purchases.
This year's paddy procurement during the Yasangi season has surpassed the previous year's figures by approximately 16 lakh tonnes. Through the Online Procurement Management System (OPMS), details regarding around Rs 10,439 crore were uploaded, and the state government has already deposited Rs 9,168 crore directly into the bank accounts of farmers. The remaining amount will be disbursed before June 20.
Civil Supplies Minister Gangula Kamalakar issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the progress of the procurement process. More than 7,037 procurement centers were established across the state, ensuring the timely and efficient collection of paddy from farmers. As of Friday, 90 percent of paddy purchases have been completed, and 6,366 centers have already been closed.
The procurement process has been completed in 18 districts and is expected to be completed in the remaining districts by Sunday. However, district collectors have been given the authority to continue paddy purchases in areas where harvesting was delayed.
Minister Gangula Kamalakar highlighted the government's commitment to supporting farmers in adverse weather conditions. He emphasized that procurement centers were opened ten days in advance to mitigate losses caused by untimely rains. Despite challenging weather conditions, paddy cultivation was carried out on a vast scale, covering 56.84 lakh acres during the Yasangi season.
The state government's dedication to protecting the procured paddy from untimely rains was evident at the field level. Various measures were implemented, including the provision of tarpaulins, moisture machines, weighing machines, and pedicure cleaners at the procurement centers.
