Telangana to Expand Ration Shop Offerings with Sorghum Distribution

Hyderabad — Telangana is set to broaden its Public Distribution System by adding sorghum to the staple grains offered at ration shops for cardholders, marking a significant shift in the state's nutritional provisioning strategy.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has instructed government agencies to accelerate preparations for rolling out the initiative. Sorghum and maize procured through MARKFED will be channeled to citizens via the existing ration shop network.

Beyond retail distribution, the state intends to incorporate sorghum into meal programmes at government gurukuls and welfare hostels. This expansion reflects an official belief that greater consumption of millets and nutrient-dense grains can address widespread nutritional deficiencies in the population.

Farmer Support Integral to Plan

The initiative carries a crucial agricultural component. A Cabinet sub-committee has determined that the state will purchase sorghum and maize directly from farmers, particularly as market prices have declined. Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageshwar Rao confirmed that Telangana will finance these procurement operations independently, without awaiting Central government assistance.

The state plans to establish dedicated procurement centres throughout Telangana to acquire crops harvested during the Rabi 2026 season. By guaranteeing remunerative prices, officials aim to stabilize farmer incomes while simultaneously ensuring steady supplies of nutritious grains for public distribution.