Telangana's kharif paddy procurement is moving slowly. Under the plan, all centres were to open by October 1 and buying was to start on October 15. By late October, fewer than 2,000 of the 8,283 planned centres had opened, Telangana Today reports.
Target vs reality
- Target: 65 lakh tonnes (45 lakh tonnes fine, 20 lakh tonnes coarse), worth ₹18,250 crore.
- Nizamabad: target of 6.5 lakh tonnes; officials doubt purchases will reach even 4 lakh tonnes.
- Nalgonda: 2–3 lakh tonnes expected against a 4.5 lakh tonne target.
- Private prices: ₹3,100–3,700 a quintal for fine varieties in Nalgonda, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Khammam.
A smaller crop this year
Last kharif, paddy covered about 70 lakh acres and produced 154.41 lakh tonnes, of which the government bought 71.86 lakh tonnes. This season, area is 57.7 lakh acres with estimated output of 119.57 lakh tonnes. Arrivals are expected to peak at 24.72 lakh tonnes in November and 25.32 lakh tonnes in December.
Ration rice stocks
The public distribution system needs about 2.38 lakh tonnes of fine rice a month. Godowns hold 9.64 lakh tonnes, with 18.39 lakh tonnes more due from millers. The total of 28.03 lakh tonnes is estimated to last until September 2027.
Rain risk
With Cyclone Arnab approaching, IMD Hyderabad has issued a red alert for Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam and Mahabubabad on October 29. Delays at centres leave harvested grain in open yards exposed to rain. The report carries no government response on the delays.
