Srihari Says Govt Procuring All Paddy From Farmers
The MLA urged farmers to sell their produce only at government-run centres to avoid losses to middlemen and prevent exploitation
WARANGAL: Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari reiterated the state government’s commitment to prioritising agriculture and farmer welfare, stating that unlike other states, Telangana is actively procuring paddy from farmers. He was speaking after inaugurating Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP) paddy procurement centres at Mupparam village in Dharmasagar mandal on Monday.
The MLA urged farmers to sell their produce only at government-run centres to avoid losses to middlemen and prevent exploitation. He announced a new initiative under which farmers will receive both the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a bonus directly into their bank accounts within a week.
He warned officials to ensure that millers do not harass farmers over weighment or moisture levels, directing that any miller causing trouble should face strict action, including blacklisting. He clarified that the permissible moisture content must be below 17 per cent and each bag should weigh exactly 41 kg.
Srihari instructed IKP organisers to provide all necessary facilities at procurement centres, including cleaning and moisture machines, drinking water, electricity, and adequate tarpaulins to protect paddy from unexpected rain. He advised farmers to remain vigilant due to the unpredictable weather and noted that these centres are being allocated to women’s Self-Help Groups to empower them and create local employment.
Criticising former BRS MLA Thatikonda Rajaiah for neglecting the development of Station Ghanpur constituency, Srihari said his own focus since being elected has been on development, securing ₹1,388 crore for various works over the past two years. He also promised to complete pending works on the Gandi Ramaram Lift Irrigation Project’s Lift-1 to ensure irrigation water reaches farmers in Pichara and Veleru villages by the next rainy season.
