BJP President Ramchander Rao Criticises Telangana's Paddy Procurement System

Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao has launched a scathing attack on the Congress government's management of paddy procurement, following a visit to Hanmapur village in Bhuvanagiri constituency on Thursday.

During his visit to a grain procurement centre, Ramchander Rao spoke with farmers about their grievances. Farmers reported significant delays in the purchase of their paddy, with many waiting several days without seeing their stock procured.

The delays have imposed considerable hardship on cultivators, both financially and psychologically. Additionally, unseasonal weather patterns have compounded their difficulties, causing deterioration of grain stocks and amplifying financial losses.

Ramchander Rao attributed the procurement system's collapse to what he termed administrative incompetence and indifference by the Congress administration. He pointed to critical shortages of essential resources at procurement centres, including transport vehicles, gunny bags, and tarpaulins, as key contributors to the crisis.

The BJP leader highlighted that grain heaps have begun germinating due to the absence of protective coverings during erratic weather. This deterioration has resulted in weight loss of the grain and prevented farmers from securing reasonable market prices.

In Hanmapur village alone, approximately 80 to 100 grain heaps remain unpurchased, Ramchander Rao stated. Meanwhile, officials have continued offering empty reassurances as cultivators remain stationed at centres awaiting procurement.

Ramchander Rao questioned the state government's inability to execute the procurement process efficiently, particularly given that the Centre already covers support prices, transportation costs, packaging materials, tarpaulins, labour expenses, and commissions for IKP centres.

The BJP leader further accused the Congress government of failing to honour commitments outlined in the Warangal Farmer Declaration, asserting that even basic amenities at procurement centres have not been provided.

Ramchander Rao has called on the state administration to immediately purchase all outstanding grain stocks, including those that have sprouted. He has also urged the provision of drinking water facilities, shelter structures, adequate gunny bags, protective tarpaulins, and sufficient transport infrastructure at all procurement centres.

Addressing the farming community, Ramchander Rao urged them to maintain their resolve and avoid taking drastic measures. He reaffirmed that the Narendra Modi government and the BJP remain committed to supporting farmers across Telangana.