Andhra records 'highest-ever' paddy procurement under NDA govt: Minister Nadendla Manohar

Amaravati, July 9 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar on Thursday said the state government's innovative reforms in paddy procurement over the past two years have helped the state achieve its 'highest-ever' procurement while ensuring faster payments and greater transparency. Addressing a meeting in Vijayawada, the minister said the procurement process is being carried out through the Civil Supplies Corporation in coordination with farmers and rice millers. "Over the past two years, the NDA coalition government has introduced several innovative reforms in paddy procurement, enabling Andhra Pradesh to record its highest-ever procurement while ensuring faster payments to farmers and greater transparency in the process," said Manohar. The Minister noted that the NDA coalition government procured 7.4 million tonnes of paddy in its second year, compared to 4.2 million tonnes during the previous YSRCP government between 2019 and 2024. According to Manohar, paddy worth Rs 31,000 crore was procured and 95 per cent of the payments were credited to the bank accounts of over 1.1 million farmers within 24 hours. Quality BPT rice is being supplied under the mid-day meal scheme in government schools and welfare hostels. He said the central government has recognised Andhra Pradesh's 10 per cent broken rice policy and decided to implement it across the country. Highlighting technology-driven reforms, the Minister said every bag is now affixed with a QR code and a Track and Trace system introduced to ensure complete traceability from farmers to Fair Price Shops (FPS). Farmers have also been provided a facility to sell their paddy through Whatsapp, while measures have been taken to improve transparency in the use of gunny bags, warehouses, transportation and moisture testing. The minister said shortages of gunny bags and warehouse space were major challenges during the previous season, adding that gunny bags will be made available at Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs) from the ensuing Kharif season. To avoid delays in transportation, transport charges will be credited directly to farmers' bank accounts within 48 hours, while a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based system will be used to monitor the movement of lorries. Further, Manohar said the government is standardising moisture meters across the state by procuring the same make and model, and 90 per cent of the installation has already been completed. The remaining work is expected to be finished before the Kharif season. Citing preliminary estimates, he said paddy production could decline by around 15 per cent this season due to the impact of El Nino and the government would create advance awareness among farmers and provide the necessary guidance to help them overcome the challenges. PTI MS ROH