CM Revanth Directs Expeditious Procurement Of Food Grains From Farmers

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday directed District Collectors to expedite the Paddy and Maize procurement and complete the procurement operations in a mission mode across the state. The Chief Minister, who held a video conference with district Collectors, said any negligence in the process of purchase from farmers would not be tolerated.

The Collectors were instructed to address the difficulties faced by the farmers and also conduct field visits personally to inspect the arrangements regularly. The Chief Minister reviewed the shortage of gunny bags and Hamalis (loaders) and directed the officials to supply bags adequately. Procured food grains should also be transported to the warehouses without any delay.

The CM also warned that action would be initiated against the contractors who failed to provide adequate vehicles, mainly lorries, for transportation as per the agreement. The authorities concerned were ordered to initiate criminal proceedings, if necessary, against the contractors who failed to fulfil the agreements.

The Chief Minister directed the Commissioner of the Transport Department to ensure that vehicles are readily available for the transportation of paddy. The CM stressed that the district Collectors should recognise the gravity of the situation and take appropriate measures. Every official should discharge their duties with accountability and transparency. The government would not hesitate to take action against Collectors if they neglect their responsibility in challenging times.

 CM Revanth Reddy also reviewed the availability of warehouses and advised the Collectors to make temporary arrangements in such areas based on immediate requirements. The officials were ordered to utilise Rythu Bazaars (farmers' markets) and function halls to facilitate the movement and storage of paddy. Formulation of plans to transport Paddy to the permanent warehouses was discussed in the meeting.

The Collectors of the districts with high maize production were instructed to remain vigilant during procurement operations and to take all necessary measures to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties during procurement. The CM advised Collectors to seek police assistance if necessary to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted procurement. Specific instructions were given to the Collectors to submit regular reports to the state Chief Secretary on paddy procurement and maize purchase.

Set Up Special Mechanism To Mitigate Losses From Unseasonal Rains

CM Revanth Reddy enquired the officials about unseasonal rains and impact on procurement. The Collectors were ordered to prepare plans to find a permanent solution to rescue the farmers from losses due to unseasonal rains. The availability of adequate tarpaulins to farmers to protect their harvested crop from getting wet during unseasonal rains should be given top priority in the action plan. Further, the Chief Minister suggested appointing a designated officer at the Mandal level to constantly alert farmers about the weather forecast predicted by the Meteorological Department. A dedicated system will also be set up specifically for disseminating weather-related information to the farming community.

To strengthen the monitoring of procurement, an officer would be assigned to each IKP (Indira Kranthi Patham) centre to solve the hurdles during procurement. A responsible officer would also be appointed at every rice mill to oversee operations including hiring Hamalis to speed up loading of the procured food grains.

The CM emphasised that measures should be taken to ensure farmers receive a receipt immediately after loading to prevent irregularities committed under the guise of "talu" (chaff) or "tarugu" (weight deductions). To overcome the shortage of lorries, CM Revanth Reddy also ordered the officials to hire tractors and other vehicles available in nearby areas. The Chief Minister asserted that problems should be resolved only through the direct supervision of the Collectors, who are responsible for resolving every issue.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers  Tummala Nageswara Rao,  Uttam Kumar Reddy, Komatireddy Venkata Reddy, Dasarai Anasuya (Seethakka),  Jupalli Krishna Rao, Adluri Lakshman Kumar, Vakiti Srihari, MP Vem Narendar Reddy, Chief Secretary Ramkrishna Rao, and senior officials participated in the video conference.