Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday stated that the Congress government is advancing with the dual objectives of ensuring poor families have access to high-quality rice and economically empowering farmers.
Cabinet Sub-Committee Meeting
Speaking after chairing the cabinet sub-committee meeting at the Secretariat, Vikramarka emphasized that farmers are being encouraged to cultivate premium paddy varieties that enjoy strong demand both nationally and internationally. The meeting was also attended by Ministers N Uttam Kumar Reddy and Tummala Nageswara Rao.
Review of Agricultural Production
The committee reviewed agricultural production in the state, paddy procurement operations, storage facilities, and preparations for the Kharif season. During the meeting, the Telangana State Farmers’ Commission recommended that the government take special measures to promote large-scale cultivation of profitable paddy varieties such as BPT 5204, Telangana Sona (RNR 15048), KNM-1638, Jai Sriram, and HMT.
The Commission noted that these varieties have strong demand in domestic and international markets, thereby offering better returns to farmers. It further informed that there is ample availability of quality seed for these premium varieties and that their cultivation could significantly enhance farmers’ incomes.
The Commission recommended that the government accord top priority to these varieties and organize extensive awareness programs across villages to educate farmers about their benefits.
FCI Procurement Challenges
The Farmers’ Commission also pointed out that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been reducing procurement, creating difficulties for the state.
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