Govt to procure 12 lakh quintals of paddy

As many as 154 procurement centers set up for purpose

Siddipet: The state government is taking all necessary steps to bailout the farmers from distress. Officials are planning to purchase the 12 lakh quintals of paddy through various public sector undertaking organisations. As many as 154 procurement centers have been set up to gather the produce from farmers. Despite all the plans and efforts, the farmers are still facing difficulties.

There is almost 80,000 acres of crop area in the district for Rabi season, but due to the scarcity of groundwater, the crop area is limited to only 60,000 acres. The officials estimated 15.40 lakh quintal of produce this season. About 12 lakh quintals will come into market, apart from farmers’ consumption. Officials planned to purchase produce from 50 Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) and 104 Indira Kranthi Pathakam (IKP) centers. The procured produce will be transferred to 36 parboiled mills. As crop area is reduced considerably compared to last year, it is said that the farmers may not get the desired results. Joint Collector Padmakar had already conducted meetings with the government departments and millers.

Venkateshwarlu, the DCSO, said that they addressed the grievances last year quickly and that they are also taking necessary measures this time to help the farmers. Earlier, farmers faced a lot of issues, including money not getting credited for their produce into their bank accounts within the specified time. There was a delay in entering the details into the tabs after selling the produce. There were poor quality bags that took the toll of the farmers.

It was alleged that the government did not provide proper electricity to procurement centers last year. Even drinking water was not provided at the centres. The farmers urge the officials to provide all necessary amenities at least this year.

The government has to pay dues to the farmers for their labor which amounts to Rs 1.5 crore.