Telangana Completes 30 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Paddy Procurement in Rabi Season

Hyderabad — The Rabi 2025-26 paddy procurement drive in Telangana has achieved a significant milestone, with the Civil Supplies Department accumulating 30 lakh metric tonnes of grain while transferring Rs 4,520 crore in MSP payments directly into farmer accounts.

Operations continue at peak efficiency as the state navigates the busiest phase of the procurement cycle. Under the oversight of Civil Supplies Commissioner M. Stephen Raveendra, IPS, the department has maintained timely disbursement of support prices without interruption.

Farmers have responded enthusiastically, delivering both premium and common paddy varieties to collection points statewide. Fine variety paddy, locally termed Sannarakam, accounted for 9 lakh metric tonnes of the total procurement, while coarse variety Doddurakam made up the remaining 21 lakh metric tonnes.

To manage the substantial grain inflow, the government established 8,575 Paddy Purchase Centres across all districts. The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) operate 4,350 of these centres, Indian Kisan Cooperative (IKP) manages 3,563, and other agencies handle the remaining 662 facilities.

Logistical Framework Supports Smooth Operations

A robust infrastructure underpins the procurement effort. The department has stockpiled 18.6 crore gunny bags and tarpaulins at procurement centres to protect paddy inventory. Additionally, approximately 11,500 transport vehicles—comprising lorries, tractors, and DCMs—have been mobilised to transport grain from collection points to rice mills without bottlenecks.

Dedicated supervision ensures operational efficiency at every stage. Special officers stationed at procurement centres and rice mills oversee loading and unloading procedures, maintaining steady stock movement throughout the supply chain.

To address labour availability challenges, the government raised handling charges at State Warehousing Corporation (SWC) godowns to Rs 17 per quintal, providing additional support to workers engaged in paddy handling.

National Allocation and Support Measures

The Food Corporation of India has allocated 10 lakh metric tonnes of boiled rice for the KMS 2025-26 season, complementing state-level procurement efforts.

The Civil Supplies Department emphasises coordination, continuous monitoring, and swift response protocols to guarantee both timely procurement and farmer payments. Citizens requiring assistance with procurement-related matters can contact the department's toll-free helpline at 1967.