Kishan Reddy Accuses Telangana Government of Failing Farmers on Paddy Procurement

Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has accused the Telangana government of mishandling paddy procurement during the ongoing rabi season, alleging that the Congress administration has failed to safeguard farmers' interests while attempting to shift responsibility for its shortcomings onto the Centre.

Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Saturday, Kishan Reddy said the Union government had already agreed to procure nearly 5.3 million metric tonnes of paddy from Telangana under an arrangement with the state. However, he alleged that the state government had failed to fulfil its responsibilities and was instead blaming the Centre for problems faced by farmers. He also criticised both the ruling Congress and the previous BRS government, claiming that farmers had suffered due to policy failures under successive administrations.

The BJP leader alleged that farmers across Telangana were facing severe difficulties at procurement centres and market yards, with many forced to wait for days to sell their produce. According to him, the situation had worsened because of unseasonal rains that damaged crops and exposed harvested grain to losses. He claimed that middlemen were taking advantage of the delays by purchasing paddy at lower prices, depriving farmers of fair returns.

Kishan Reddy further accused the state government of failing to provide adequate procurement infrastructure, including the timely supply of gunny bags , which he said had disrupted procurement operations. He also alleged that the administration had not ensured the availability of improved seed varieties sought by farmers and had done little to address concerns over the limited market for coarse rice varieties cultivated in the state.

The Union Minister also criticised the government's handling of rice distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS) . He alleged that lower-quality rice sourced from other states was being distributed to beneficiaries in Telangana, while better-quality rice produced locally was being sold elsewhere at higher prices.

Questioning the Congress government's commitment to its election promises, Kishan Reddy asked why the promised ₹500 bonus per quintal for multiple crops had not been fully implemented. He said the BJP remained committed to protecting farmers' interests and added that he was prepared to work with the Centre to explore increasing paddy procurement from Telangana if necessary.