Minister Uttam Reddy hits out at Harish Rao, rebuts allegations on paddy procurement

HYDERABAD
Minister for Civil Supplies and Irrigation N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday hit back at former minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao on the latter's allegations over paddy procurement and cited official statistics asking him to stop 'daily campaign of falsehoods'.
In a statement, Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that there was a sharp increase in paddy procurement during the current Rabi season. He stated that the government had procured 43.1 lakh tonnes of paddy as on May 12.
The data shared by the Minister revealed that the Telangana government had procured 43.1 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs) of paddy during the ongoing Rabi 2024–25 season, up to May 12. As on the same day last year, the Rabi procurement was 29.88 lakh tonnes and a year before (2022-23) it was only 19.62 lakh tonnes.
The statistics indicated nearly 44% jump over last year's procurement and more than 120% when compared to 2022-23, reflecting the current administration's proactive efforts, the Minister said.
The Minister stated that the Congress government had opened more procurement centres and streamlined operations to benefit farmers directly. Timely procurement had brought relief to paddy cultivators across Telangana as the government was ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) and also paying ₹500 bonus per quintal for fine varieties of paddy.
He highlighted the State's record-breaking paddy production in 2024-25 Kharif/Vanakalam season, when 153.5 lakh tonnes of paddy was produced in 66.7 lakh acres, while the ongoing Rabi/Yasangi crop covered 60.14 lakh acres with the yield estimated to be about 129 lakh tonnes — production of over 280 lakh tonnes in a year.
Meanwhile, sources stated that about 61.45% of the planned procurement (70.13 lakh tonnes) was completed so far by opening 8,245 procurement centres. Of the 43.1 lakh tonnes procured so far, 27.75 lakh tonnes was of common varieties and 15.35 lakh tonnes of fine varieties.
The value of paddy procured so far was ₹9,999.36 crore with 6.58 lakh farmers selling their produce. The farmers were made payments of ₹6,671 crore so far, including ₹767 crore paid as bonus to fine varieties.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Hans India

2 hours ago

• Hans India

Huzurabad MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy arrested over allegations of extortion

In a significant turn of events in Telangana politics, Huzurabad BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy was apprehended by Warangal Subedari Police at Shamshabad Airport. He has since been transported to Warangal for questioning. The detainment stems from serious allegations made by a granite quarry trader, Manoj Reddy, who operates a quarry in Vangapalli, Kamalapur mandal. Reddy's wife, Umadevi, lodged a complaint with the Subedari Police, claiming that MLA Reddy threatened her, demanding a payment of Rs. 50 lakhs. As a result, police have filed cases against the MLA under Sections 308(2), 308(4), and 352 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), encompassing charges of threatening and extortion. The investigation is ongoing as authorities look into the matter.

Time of India

5 hours ago

• Time of India

Before going to court, Telangana willing to talk with AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, says CM Revanth Reddy; seeks cordial ties like with Karnataka

HYDERABAD: A day after submitting a strong objection with the Centre against the Banakacherla project of Andhra Pradesh govt, chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday said the state cabinet meeting on June 23 will discuss inviting AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu , ministers and officials for talks on the contentious issue between the two Telugu riparian states. In a chat with media in New Delhi before returning to Hyderabad after his two-day tour, Revanth said the Telangana govt did not want to continue controversies which can be resolved through talks. "There will be no compromise on river water interests of Telangana, but before availing the option of going to court, we are willing to hold talks with Chandrababu Naidu. A solution can be found between the two states only through talks. We do not want unnecessary disputes. Our policy is to continue cordial relations with AP like we are doing so with Karnataka. Like AP is claiming that it has certain rights being a downstream state, even Telangana has similar rights," he said. He said that Chandrababu Naidu first approached the central govt for the project without consulting Telangana. "That is our objection. We have already formed committees at ministerial level to resolve issues arising out of AP State Reorganisation Act between the two states. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo BRS MLA and former irrigation minister T Harish Rao is accusing Congress govt out of frustration as both he and former CM KCR stand exposed for compromising with AP govt on river water interests of Telangana," Revanth said. 'No mention in Act' The CM also pointed out that only Polavaram project is mentioned in the Reorganisation Act. Banakacherla is an ancillary project of Polavaram, which has no mention in the Act, Revanth said. "I am seeking a blanket NOC for 500 TMC share in Krishna river water, whereas Harish Rao, in his letter to the Centre, sought only 405 TMC. The AP state should think about taking up projects only after Telangana state completes all its projects and utilises its rightful share of water. The BRS came to power on the plank of water, funds and jobs. It is now trying to use the water sentiment again as a Sanjeevini (lifeline) to revive the party ," Revanth said, adding he will visit New Delhi again on July 6 and 7. He further said: "A day before I met Union ministers, including CR Patil, BJP state president and Union minister G Kishan Reddy also met them. He is working as a liaison officer for KT Rama Rao. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah said the Kaleshwaram was like an ATM for previous BRS govt. Now, BJP MP Eatala Rajender is claiming that Kaleshwaram was taken with the approval of KCR cabinet. Kishan Reddy should clarify whether Modi and Shah are speaking the truth or Eatala is correct. "

United News of India

10 hours ago

• United News of India

Congress, BRS diverting public attention to weaken BJP: K Reddy

Hyderabad, June 20 (UNI) Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy on Friday accused the Congress government of bringing up various issues to divert public attention and suppress the rise of the BJP in the state. He also alleged that both the Congress and the BRS are working in coordination to stop the BJP's growth in Telangana. Kishan Reddy was addressing a key workshop at the BJP Telangana State Office, aimed at strategising for the upcoming local body elections. Senior party leaders, including National General Secretary Sunil Bansal, Telangana in-charge Abhay Patil, MPs Etala Rajender, D.K. Aruna, Godem Nagesh, and several MLAs and district leaders, participated in the session. Referring to the recent revelations in the phone tapping case, Kishan Reddy said, "The situation is alarming. Phones of BJP staff, leaders, and even the social media team were tapped under the BRS regime. Judges, businessmen, film stars, and elected representatives were also targeted. Instead of investigating seriously, both Congress and BRS are playing political games around it." He criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for changing his stand after assuming office. "When in the opposition, he demanded a CBI probe. Now, he remains silent," Reddy said. Kishan Reddy called on BJP workers to take the message to the people about the corruption during BRS rule and the Congress government's failure to implement its six guarantees and over 400 election promises. 'A BJP government is essential to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Telangana. Only under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership can we save this state and bring development,' he said. Blaming both the BRS and Congress for the financial crisis in the state, Reddy stated that Telangana has plunged into debt due to the misgovernance of the past decade. "Today, there isn't even enough money to pay salaries. Welfare schemes are being delayed, and development programmes are at a standstill," he added. The Union Minister emphasised the need to build a strong BJP from the grassroots, especially by bringing in youth and leaders from marginalised and rural backgrounds. He directed the party to conduct mandal- and district-level workshops and training programmes to prepare the cadre for future political movements. Reddy also highlighted the Centre's contribution to Telangana's development, including ongoing infrastructure projects like the development of 42 railway stations, national highways, rural development programmes, and welfare schemes such as free 5 kg rice for the poor and financial support to panchayats. "Without central assistance, no sector—be it railways, education, or health—can see progress in Telangana," he asserted. He also spoke about upcoming awareness campaigns and political events, including the observance of June 25 as Anti-Emergency Day (Dark Day) to remind the public of Congress's past actions against democracy and constitutional values. 'Today's Congress leaders act like they are the protectors of the Constitution, but history shows they have subverted it time and again,' he said, calling on the BJP cadre to educate the public about these issues. Kishan Reddy urged the party to unite under the vision of Prime Minister Modi and become a strong alternative in Telangana. He said that many new leaders have already joined the party, and efforts are underway to bring more leaders and public representatives into the BJP fold. UNI VV ARN