Telangana: Ministers Ask Farmers To Suspend Paddy Harvesting To Minimise Crop Damage

During a review meeting, the ministers directed officials to work in close coordination over the next 30 to 45 days to minimise losses. So far, the state has procured 1,80,452 metric tonnes of paddy from 22,433 farmers, valued at `431.09 crore. This includes 73,628 metric tonnes of coarse grain and 1,06,824 metric tonnes of fine grain.

The government has approved 8,342 procurement centres, of which 4,428 are operational. Preparations are underway to open the remaining 3,814 centres. The minister instructed officials to expedite payments to farmers and maintain constant supervision of procurement activities.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also issued a stern warning against corruption or irregularities in the procurement process, cautioning that strict action would be taken on any complaints. He emphasized that collectors, joint collectors, and civil supplies officers must personally monitor field conditions and address any issues without delay.

Addressing officials from the civil supplies department, FCI, agriculture, and marketing departments, the minister noted that the next 10 to 15 days are critical for the state’s crop procurement operations. He said the government’s performance during this period — particularly in paddy, maize, and cotton procurement — would be closely monitored.

Civil supplies commissioner Stephen Ravindra will remain available round-the-clock to coordinate response efforts, the minister said, adding that he too could be contacted directly in case of emergencies.