Procure 3 million metric tonnes of parboiled rice: CM Revanth Reddy

The Telangana government has initiated advance planning for procurement of paddy to be cultivated in the upcoming agricultural season. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and State Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Friday.

The state has formally requested the Centre to procure around 3 million metric tonnes of parboiled rice for the 2025–26 crop season (Kharif and Rabi) . The primary objective of this request is to ensure a remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers and facilitate a smooth procurement process. The Chief Minister noted that central officials had recently indicated a growing demand for boiled rice nationwide , necessitating an increase in supply.

The state informed the Centre that Telangana is expecting an estimated 9 million metric tonnes of paddy output during the 2025–26 Rabi (Yasangi) season , attributing this to expanded cultivation and improved irrigation facilities.

The delegation sought clarity and support from the Centre on storage, milling, and distribution of the anticipated large-scale paddy output. They also urged removal of existing constraints in parboiled rice procurement , citing data from the past six Yasangi seasons on Custom Milling Rice (CMR) supply .

The meeting is seen as crucial for enhancing coordination between the Centre and the state ahead of the 2025–26 procurement season , ensuring that issues faced in previous years do not recur. The state expressed confidence that sharing advance production estimates would elicit a positive response from the Centre. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers face no difficulties in selling their produce and receive adequate market support.

In this context, the state conveyed its readiness to supply 30 lakh metric tonnes of boiled rice (with 5% broken content) and 5 lakh metric tonnes of raw rice (with 10% broken content) from the Yasangi crop. The Union Minister is understood to have given in-principle approval to the proposal.

On financial matters, the Chief Minister requested the immediate release of ₹1,468.94 crore in pending dues related to additional levy procurement for the 2014–15 Kharif season , citing mounting pressure on the state’s Civil Supplies Department.

The state also highlighted that Telangana is among the leading states in paddy production and procurement , and that payments to farmers are being made within 48 hours of procurement . Additionally, it urged the Centre to resume supply of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) for distribution in schools, hostels, and ICDS centres to help address anaemia among children .