Centre Has Fulfilled Its Role in Paddy Procurement, Says Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy pushed back against claims of inadequate central support for paddy procurement, asserting that the responsibility for managing the process lies squarely with state authorities.

Speaking at a media briefing in Hyderabad on Saturday, Kishan Reddy clarified that the Centre does not undertake direct procurement of paddy. He questioned the state government's criticism of the Union government's role in the matter.

Kishan Reddy attributed the difficulties faced by farmers to poor planning on the part of the state administration. He contended that officials have prioritised commissions, contracts, and real estate development over the interests of cultivators. According to the minister, the government only took procurement concerns seriously after the BJP mounted a campaign highlighting the issue.

The paddy procurement situation has become a flashpoint of political tension between the two governments. Kishan Reddy drew attention to the fact that procurement-related complications were surfacing uniquely in Telangana, while neighbouring states were handling the process with greater efficiency.

He pointed to Andhra Pradesh as a model, noting that coordination between the government and officials there has ensured uninterrupted procurement operations.

Kishan Reddy also targeted the state government's handling of gunny bag supplies, expressing bewilderment over why officials had not procured them months in advance. He further noted that Telangana had not fully utilised the procurement quota provided by the Centre, arguing that this undermined the state's credibility in levelling accusations against the Union government.

The minister raised serious concerns about irregularities in the distribution of ration rice. He alleged that premium-grade rice produced within Telangana was being exported to other states, while lower-quality rice was being imported and distributed to ration card holders. Kishan Reddy called for an independent investigation into these alleged irregularities, stating that the public has a right to know who bears responsibility.

Kishan Reddy characterised the state government's approach as one of reflexively blaming the Centre for every problem, suggesting an attempt to position itself as the sole accountable entity. On the matter of farmer discoms, the minister said it had not been brought to his attention, but he questioned why the state government had failed to provide subsidies for the current rabi season.