Paddy procurement crosses 10 LMT: Officials
Hyderabad: The state government is set to achieve half of its targeted paddy procurement of 80 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) for the Kharif season by the end of November. With an average daily procurement of 1 to 1.5 LMT, civil supplies department officials expressed confidence about meeting targets across procurement centres and ensuring smooth logistics, milling and storage operations.
Dismissing reports that only half the centres were operational or were rejecting paddy citing high moisture content, officials clarified that 7,000 of the 8,452 procurement centres have already opened. The exceptions are in the Khammam and Warangal districts due to late arrivals. “As and when paddy arrives, centres are being opened. We have now entered the peak procurement phase. Even in Khammam and Warangal, the process has picked up pace. All centres will be operational within a week,” senior officials told Deccan Chronicle.
After early-season hurdles, officials were instructed to address logistical and labour issues and to handle procurement tactically while ensuring adherence to the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) moisture norms. “Within four weeks, we will complete nearly 50 per cent of the season’s procurement. Officials have been sensitised on moisture standards, transport bottlenecks and labour availability since the next few weeks are crucial,” the department said.
However, farmers have alleged that procurement centres continue to reject loads or impose heavy deductions for paddy with higher moisture levels. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) allows up to 17 per cent moisture, but due to unseasonal rainfall during September and October, much of the harvested paddy contains higher moisture, leading to rejections. In Karimnagar’s Peechupalle village, farmers staged a protest at a procurement centre, alleging arbitrary cuts. “They accept paddy only after a 2-3 kg deduction. Even after a month, they are not procuring properly,” complained farmer K. Yadaiah.
During a recent review, civil supplies minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy assessed the affect of Cyclone Montha and instructed district collectors to expedite procurement and protect farmers from losses. “Officials must act with speed and caution. No farmer should suffer due to rain or delay,” he said.
The minister directed that stocks be moved swiftly to rice mills, tarpaulins be provided at all centres to protect grain, and weather updates be shared daily with farmers. He cautioned against misinformation regarding procurement progress and urged regular inspections. “This government stands by farmers. No false narrative can weaken our transparency or commitment,” he said.
