New Delhi, Apr 17 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday urged the Centre to procure 30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of boiled rice from the state during the Yasangi (Rabi) season and to release pending arrears of ₹1,468.94 crore.
The Chief Minister, along with Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, submitted a memorandum to Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi during a meeting held in New Delhi.
They informed the Union Minister that paddy harvested during the Yasangi season is suitable for milling into boiled rice and highlighted the state’s track record in supplying Custom Milling Rice (CMR) over the past six seasons.
The Chief Minister said Telangana expects a production of about 90 LMT of paddy this season and is ready to supply 30 LMT of boiled rice with 5 per cent broken content and 5 LMT of raw rice with 10 per cent broken content.
The Union Minister responded positively and gave in-principle approval for the procurement proposal.
The Chief Minister also sought immediate release of ₹1,468.94 crore pending towards additional levy procurement from the 2014–15 Kharif season, stating that the state ensures payments to farmers within 48 hours of procurement.
Citing financial constraints faced by the Civil Supplies Department, the state government requested early clearance of dues.
The delegation further urged the Centre to resume distribution of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), which were earlier supplied through schools, hostels and ICDS centres to address anemia and nutritional deficiencies among children.
Senior officials from the state government and the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution were present at the meeting.
TNT KS
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