HYDERABAD: With the monsoon arriving 15 days early in Telangana, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday directed district collectors to prepare accordingly.
The early rains have disrupted paddy procurement in some areas, leaving farmers worried. The chief minister assured the farmer community that his government would purchase the entire paddy crop.
In a video conference with district collectors and ministers, Revanth reviewed paddy procurement, the Indiramma housing scheme, Bhu Bharati, agriculture and monsoon preparedness. He noted that the state has procured 64.50 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy this Rabi season, up from 42 LMT last year, with Rs 12,184 crore already paid to farmers.
Stating that Telangana has produced 2.75 crore tonnes of paddy this year, the highest in the country, he praised the efforts of the Agriculture and Civil Supplies departments.
Call for transparency
However, the chief minister pointed to reports of protests in 12 districts over procurement delays and asked collectors to address issues at the field level. He called for transparency in procurement data and asked collectors to counter misinformation.
Revanth also instructed officials to take extra godowns on rent if necessary and warned of strict action against millers or brokers harassing farmers. He said seeds and fertilisers are available, and collectors must ensure sufficient buffer stock. The CM ordered cases to be booked against those selling spurious seeds and suggested the appointment of a special officer in each district to oversee seed and fertiliser stocks.
Addressing land record reforms, he said the Bhu Bharati Act—already implemented in select mandals—will be expanded statewide. Revenue awareness seminars will be held from June 3–20, with in-charge ministers planning the schedule.
On the Indiramma Housing scheme, the chief minister said that beneficiary lists must be finalised by month-end. Price control committees will be formed at the mandal level to
check construction costs, and free sand coupons will be distributed. He advised showcasing model houses and recording construction progress via an app.
Loans under Indira Mahila Shakti and Rajiv Yuva Vikasam will support brick-making and centering units. The chief minister asked ministers to visit districts on May 29 and 30 and submit reports on procurement, Bhu Bharati, and crop preparation by June 1. A review meeting will follow on the same day.
He also directed the official celebration of Telangana Formation Day in all districts on June 2.
CM puts Health dept on alert
The chief minister directed the Health department to be on alert over the risk of seasonal diseases and fever due to the early rains. He directed district collectors, especially in agency and forest areas, to focus on public health. Referring to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in neighbouring states, the CM instructed officials to make appropriate arrangements in all the districts.