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Andhra Pradesh has procured a record 74 lakh metric tonnes of paddy over the past two years and introduced a series of reforms aimed at making procurement faster, more transparent and farmer-friendly, said Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar on Thursday.
Reviewing paddy procurement and preparations for the upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons, the Minister said the coalition government had purchased paddy worth ₹31,000 crore, with 95% of payments to 11.53 lakh farmers credited to their bank accounts within 24 hours. He noted that procurement had risen sharply from 42 lakh metric tonnes during the previous government to 74 lakh metric tonnes under the present dispensation.
Broken rice policy
Mr. Manohar said Andhra Pradesh’s 10% broken rice policy had received national recognition, with the Centre deciding to adopt the model across the country. He highlighted reforms such as QR code-based tracking, a track-and-trace system and WhatsApp-based farmer registration, which have enhanced transparency.
For the coming Kharif season, the government will supply gunny bags directly at Rythu Seva Kendras, while transportation charges incurred by farmers will be credited within 48 hours. Uniform moisture meters are also being installed across the State to eliminate disputes over moisture content.
The Minister cautioned that El Niño could affect paddy production in some regions and said the government was coordinating with the Agriculture Department and scientists to minimise its impact.
Special Chief Secretary K. Kannababu and Civil Supplies Commissioner S. Dilli Rao said Andhra Pradesh had emerged as a national model in paddy procurement through coordinated efforts by officials, rice millers and transport agencies.
FCI Regional General Manager Vijay Kumar Yadav praised the State’s reforms, including the successful implementation of QR code-based tracking, which are now being replicated by other States.
Farmers also raised procurement-related issues, following which the Minister assured them that the government would address their concerns.
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