Andhra Pradesh Achieves Historic Paddy Procurement Milestone
The Andhra Pradesh government has created a new record in the state's agricultural history. During the current kharif season, authorities have successfully procured 41.27 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 6,76,848 farmers across the state. This remarkable achievement brings the state close to the Central government's target of 50 lakh metric tonnes for the season.
Direct Payments Transform Farmer Experience
Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar revealed that the government has already transferred ₹9,789 crore directly into farmers' bank accounts. "For the first time in our state's history, total paddy procurement payments will cross ₹10,000 crore by Sankranti," Manohar announced with evident pride.
The minister emphasized that this accomplishment demonstrates the coalition government's strong commitment to farmer welfare. He highlighted how the entire procurement process operated with unprecedented transparency, speed, and efficiency, establishing new benchmarks for agricultural procurement systems.
Reforms Address Historical Challenges
Manohar contrasted the current system with what he described as problematic practices under the previous YSRCP administration. According to the minister, farmers previously faced months-long delays in receiving payments and had to rely heavily on middlemen, resulting in ₹1,674 crore in pending dues that remained unsettled.
The current government moved quickly to strengthen the procurement system after taking office. Key reforms included:
- Granting farmers complete freedom to sell their produce at mills of their choice
- Ensuring payments reach farmers' accounts within 24 to 48 hours of sale
- Installing uniform moisture testing machines at facilitation centers and rice mills to address quality concerns
District-Level Success Stories Emerge
The impact of these reforms becomes particularly clear when examining district-level performance. In Guntur district, procurement skyrocketed from just 5,913 metric tonnes under the previous administration to over 76,000 metric tonnes this year.
Tenali witnessed an even more dramatic transformation, with procurement jumping from a mere 288 metric tonnes to 23,463 metric tonnes. Remarkably, farmers in Tenali received ₹51.76 crore in payments within just 24 hours of selling their produce.
Procurement operations have nearly concluded in the twin Godavari districts and Kakinada, indicating efficient completion across major agricultural regions.
Logistical Support Drives Efficiency
Across Andhra Pradesh, 3,572 procurement centers remain fully operational with substantial logistical support. Thousands of lorries, tractors, and laborers work continuously to facilitate the massive procurement operation.
For the first time ever, the government arranged special trains specifically to transport paddy from Krishna and Guntur districts. This inter-district movement of produce boosted market prices by ₹300 to ₹400 per quintal within a single week.
The payment system has achieved remarkable speed, with nearly 78% of farmers receiving their payments within four hours of selling their paddy.
Political Context and Future Implications
Minister Manohar also addressed political criticism from opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding Amaravati. The minister firmly asserted that Amaravati continues to represent the true identity of Guntur district, defending the government's position on the capital region.
This record-breaking procurement season demonstrates how systemic reforms can transform agricultural economies. By addressing payment delays, reducing middlemen dependency, and improving logistical support, the Andhra Pradesh government has created a model that could influence agricultural policies across India.
The approaching ₹10,000 crore payment milestone by Sankranti represents not just a financial achievement but a significant improvement in farmer confidence and agricultural sector stability. As the kharif season procurement nears completion, attention now turns to whether this successful model can be sustained and expanded to benefit even more farmers in future seasons.
