Kishan Reddy Criticizes Telangana Congress Over Paddy Procurement Lapses

Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy has accused the Telangana Congress of failing to procure paddy efficiently, suggesting they are unfairly blaming the Centre for their shortcomings. He criticized the state government for neglecting farmers' needs and claimed that good-quality local rice is being exported instead of supporting local markets.

Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy has voiced strong criticism against the Telangana Congress government, accusing them of inefficiency in paddy procurement during the Rabi season. He argued that the state's shortcomings are being unfairly shifted onto the Central Government.

Reddy questioned the fulfilment of a Congress promise to provide a Rs 500 bonus for 10 crops and pointed out that the Centre had agreed to purchase 53 Lakh Metric Tons of paddy, yet the state had not completed the process. He also highlighted the struggle of farmers waiting for their produce to get procured amidst unseasonal rains and predatory intermediaries.

Additionally, Reddy accused the state government of neglecting its responsibilities, like supplying necessary gunny bags and high-demand seeds, and diverting good-quality rice to other states. He noted this behavior has been ongoing since the previous BRS regime and was critical of their focus on unrelated ventures such as land auctions.

Expressing concerns over the lack of plans for exporting coarse rice and promoting organic farming, he remarked on the state's need to raise pesticide awareness among farmers. He also offered support to work with the Centre to increase procurement quotas from the region.