On April 17, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy met Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi. During this meeting, they requested the central government to procure 30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of boiled rice from Telangana’s Yasangi, or Rabi, season harvest. They stressed the suitability of the paddy harvested this season for milling into boiled rice.

The Chief Minister provided detailed statistical data about the supply of Custom Milling Rice (CMR) over the past six Yasangi seasons. He illustrated how the local harvest aligns with national demand for boiled rice, which they claimed was growing across the country. The officials’ discussions included the past support from the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution regarding rice procurement.

CM Revanth Reddy informed Joshi that the anticipated paddy production in Telangana for the current Yasangi season is projected at 90 LMT, noting its appropriateness for milling into parboiled rice. The Chief Minister specified that the state is ready to supply 30 LMT of parboiled rice, with an allowable 5 per cent broken rice content, along with 5 LMT of raw rice that may include up to 10 per cent broken rice.

Response from Union Minister

In a prompt reply, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi indicated conditional approval of the proposal for the supply of boiled rice as set forth by CM Revanth Reddy and Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy. This approval signalled a positive response towards addressing the demands put forth during the meeting.

During this meeting, the Telangana duo also highlighted the importance of releasing outstanding dues amounting to Rs 1,468.94 crore, which are related to the procurement of additional levy from the 2014-15 Kharif season. Their emphasis on these dues suggested a need for financial stability within the state’s Civil Supplies department.

CM Reddy reminded Joshi that Telangana is the largest paddy-producing state and mentioned their efficiency in transferring payments to farmers’ accounts within 48 hours following the procurement of paddy. This efficiency, they argued, should be acknowledged in the context of releasing the pending dues.

Request for Resumption of Fortified Rice Distribution

Further, CM Revanth Reddy appealed to Union Minister Joshi to facilitate the immediate resumption of the distribution of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK). This move aims to combat anaemia and nutritional deficiencies among children, which was previously distributed through schools, hostels, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres.

The Chief Minister pointed out that this vital programme had been halted recently, creating concerns for child health and nutrition in the state. The context of their request indicated a focus on both immediate food security and long-term health outcomes for the younger population.

The meeting was attended by several officials, including the State Government’s Special Representative in Delhi, A. P. Jithender Reddy, and Secretary (Coordination) Advait Singh, along with representatives from the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution. Their involvement underscored the importance of this discussion for both the state and national food security frameworks.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share