HYDERABAD: Civil supplies minister Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the state government had geared up to procure 90 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy in the rabi season through 8,500 procurement centres, of which 5,000 were functional.
He directed officials to complete all basic arrangements and review them periodically to accelerate the procurement process. In a review meeting with civil supplies officials at the Secretariat, Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that procurement has begun in 20 districts but is delayed in 13 others due to a late crop season this year.
The minister revealed that 4.89 LMT of paddy had been procured. The government had identified godowns to store 12 LMT of paddy and arranged facilities for 20 LMT of boiled rice across districts. Additionally, 16 crore gunny bags had been distributed to all procurement centres. Arrangements are in place to prevent tampering during paddy weighing and ensure smooth transport to mills, he added.
Procurement centres are now equipped to quickly assess paddy moisture content and dry it using cleaners and dryers. Inter-state check posts have been strengthened to curb illegal paddy imports from neighbouring states for sale here. The government has also arranged for prompt payments to farmers, he said.
Civil supplies commissioner Stephen Ravindra, additional director Rohit Singh, deputy commissioner Kondal Rao attended the review meeting.
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