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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Seeks Centre's Rice Procurement & ₹1,468 Cr Dues

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Delhi to discuss key agricultural and financial issues. He requested the Centre to procure 30 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice from the state's upcoming Rabi harvest. The CM also urged the immediate release of outstanding dues amounting to ₹1,468.94 crore related to past procurement. Additionally, he appealed for the resumption of the Fortified Rice Kernels distribution scheme to combat nutritional deficiencies.

Key Points: Telangana CM Urges Centre to Procure 30 Lakh Tonnes Rice

  • Request for 30L tonnes parboiled rice procurement
  • Urge to release ₹1,468 crore pending dues
  • 90L tonnes paddy expected this Rabi season
  • In-principle approval for boiled rice supply
  • Demand to resume Fortified Rice Kernels scheme
3 min read

Telangana CM urges Centre to procure 30 lakh tonnes parboiled rice

CM Revanth Reddy meets Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, requests procurement of 30L tonnes parboiled rice and release of ₹1,468 crore in pending dues.

"Telangana is ready to supply a total of 30 lakh tonnes parboiled rice - Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy"

Hyderabad, April 17

Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Friday met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, and requested him to procure 30 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice from Telangana during the Rabi season. The CM also urged the Union Minister to release outstanding dues of ₹1,468.94 crore, pertaining to the procurement of additional levy from the 2014-15 Kharif season.

Accompanied by State Civil Supplies Minister, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Chief Minister called on the Central minister in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum.

They brought to the attention of Union Minister Joshi that the paddy harvested during the Rabi season is suitable for milling of boiled rice. Union Minister Joshi was briefed about the supply of Custom Milling Rice (CMR) with statistical data over the past 6 Rabi seasons.

Chief Minister Reddy reminded Joshi that the officials of the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution suggested to increase boiled rice supply in view of the growing demand across the country.

The Central minister was informed that 90 lakh tonnes of paddy is expected to be produced in Telangana during the current Rabi season and the harvested crop is suitable for milling into parboiled rice.

CM Reddy said that Telangana is ready to supply a total of 30 lakh tonnes parboiled rice (with 5 per cent broken rice content) and 5 lakh tonnes raw rice (with 10 per cent broken rice content) from the Yasangi (Rabi) harvest.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, Joshi approved in-principle the proposal of supply of boiled rice.

The Union Minister was also urged to immediately release outstanding dues of ₹1,468.94 crore, pertaining to the procurement of additional levy from the 2014-15 Kharif (monsoon) season.

The CM and the state minister apprised the Union Minister that Telangana is the largest Paddy producing state where money is being deposited in the farmers' accounts within 48 hours of the procurement of paddy.

In view of financial challenges facing by the state Civil Supplies Department, CM Reddy requested the Union Minister to expedite the release of pending arrears from the Centre's side.

Joshi was also requested by CM Reddy to resume the distribution of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) immediately.

The fortified rice is distributed through schools, hostels and ICDS centres to prevent anemia and nutritional deficiencies among children. The CM said that the scheme was stopped recently.

State Government Special Representative in Delhi, A.P. Jithender Reddy, Secretary (Coordination) Advait Singh, and officials from the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution were present in the meeting.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on parboiled rice. It's more nutritious and has a longer shelf life. If there's growing national demand, it makes sense for Telangana to supply it. Hope the logistics and quality control are managed well.
P
Priyanka N
The request to resume Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) distribution is very important. Tackling anemia in children through mid-day meals and ICDS is a vital scheme. Why was it stopped? This needs immediate attention from the Centre. 👏
A
Aman W
While I support the procurement, I have a respectful criticism. The article mentions money deposited to farmers within 48 hours, which is great. But what about the long-pending dues from 2014-15? Such delays hurt farmers' trust. The system needs to be more efficient and accountable.
K
Karthik V
90 lakh tonnes expected production! That's massive. Telangana's agricultural growth is impressive. Hope the in-principle approval turns into actual procurement orders quickly. The state's civil supplies department needs the funds to function smoothly.
M
Michael C
This is a classic case of federal cooperation needed in India. The state produces, the Centre procures for national food security. Both need to work together without political delays, especially when it involves farmers' livelihoods and children's nutrition.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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