TG set to achieve 150 lakh tonnes paddy yield

Telangana is poised to achieve its highest-ever paddy yield this year, with an estimated production of 150 lakh metric tonnes,  Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Integrated District Office Complex in Suryapet during Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s interaction with district officials and prominent figures, Uttam Kumar Reddy detailed the State’s agricultural progress. He outlined the government’s comprehensive procurement and food security initiatives.
He stated that the state government has made elaborate arrangements for paddy procurement this season with an initial allocation of Rs 20,000 crore.
He said more money would be spent on paddy procurement if required. He emphasised that the government’s policy guarantees that every grain of paddy the farmers wish to sell will be purchased, providing fair prices for all. He instructed officials to ensure that all procurement centres are well-equipped and staffed to handle the expected volumes, including adequate training for workers, proper storage facilities, and necessary equipment such as tarpaulins and gunny bags. Coordination with rice millers and adequate maintenance of intermediary godowns are also part of the preparation to streamline the process.
As part of its ongoing food security programme, Telangana currently provides 6 kg of rice free of cost to every individual, a scheme partly funded by the Central government and the remainder by the state. However, starting in January, the government will make a significant improvement by distributing 6 kg of fine rice to every ration cardholder, enhancing the quality of grains provided to beneficiaries.
The Minister termed this a revolutionary step in improving the edible nature of grains offered through the Public Distribution System (PDS), which generally distributes coarse grains in Telangana and other states. He also mentioned that Telangana is working toward self-sufficiency in fine rice production by promoting the cultivation of fine paddy.
In a move to support farmers who cultivate finer varieties of paddy, the Telangana government has announced a Rs 500 per quintal bonus on top of the minimum support price (MSP) set by the Government of India.
Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that 80-85 LMTs of the total paddy production this season are expected to be of fine variety, and the government is encouraging their cultivation through these incentives.
Uttam Kumar Reddy underscored Telangana’s massive irrigation initiatives, highlighting the state’s progress in the agriculture sector. The state has an annual budget of Rs 28,000 crore for irrigation projects to bring 6 lakh acres of new ayacut under cultivation each year. Over the next five years, the government aims to achieve 30 lakh acres of new ayacut. Existing dams and irrigation projects are undergoing rapid modernisation, ensuring efficient water distribution and increased agricultural productivity.
Reflecting on Suryapet’s historical significance, Uttam Kumar Reddy mentioned that the region has been a centre for revolutionary movements, including communist and Jagirdari struggles and land reforms.  He also recalled the district’s role in the armed struggle against the Razakars in 1948. The minister, who has represented the region six times in the Assembly and once in Parliament, praised the district’s people for their high level of awareness and active participation in the region’s development.