Telangana set to achieve highest-ever paddy yield this year: Minister Uttam

Hyderabad: Telangana is poised to achieve its highest-ever paddy yield this year, with an estimated production of 150 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs), Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced here on Thursday.

Speaking at the Integrated District Office Complex (IDOC) in Suryapet during Governor Jishnu Dev Varma's interaction with district officials and prominent figures, Uttam Kumar detailed the State's agricultural progress. He outlined the government's comprehensive procurement and food security initiatives. He stated 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 6kg fine rice to every ration card holder, enhancing the quality of grains provided to beneficiaries.

In a move to support farmers who cultivate finer varieties of paddy, the Telangana government has announced a Rs500 per quintal bonus on top of the minimum support price (MSP) set by the Centre. Uttam 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 six 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.

Uttam Kumar also touched on the district’s advantages, pointing out that Suryapet is well-positioned with the Krishna River flowing through the region. The Nagarjuna Sagar project, located in the combined Nalgonda district, has its main left canal passing through Suryapet, providing irrigation for 6.16 lakh acres of agricultural land in the district. The minister expressed confidence that the government’s efforts would continue to increase the area under cultivation. He said Suryapet is not just an agricultural hub, but also plays a critical role in Telangana’s industrial landscape.

Uttam Kumar Reddy informed the Governor that Telangana has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, both economically and agriculturally. Boasting the highest per capita income among medium to large-sized States, Telangana has become a hub for global investments, particularly in sectors like IT, software, pharmaceuticals, and services, he added.