Hyderabad: Despite widespread demands to extend the Rs.500 bonus to all rice varieties, as promised by the Congress in its manifesto, the Telangana government announced on Monday that the bonus would only apply to fine rice varieties from the forthcoming season.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy stated that 36 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have already been procured, with payments deposited into farmers’ accounts within three days. Despite recent unseasonal rains affecting the State, the government assured that drenched stocks would be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Minister explained that District Collectors have been directed to procure the drenched stocks, alleviating farmers’ concerns. He emphasized that 36 lakh metric tonnes of rice are needed for mid-day meals, hostels, and the Rs.2 per kg rice scheme. The government also decided not to procure fine rice stocks from other states, honoring an election promise by the Congress to supply fine rice.
“Rs.500 bonus for fine rice varieties will be offered from the forthcoming season. The list of fine rice varieties will be announced by the Agriculture Department,” Srinivas Reddy said. He also mentioned plans to curb the sale of spurious seeds, urging farmers to buy seeds from genuine companies and keep receipts.
As the new academic year starts on June 12, the maintenance of schools will be handled by the respective Amma Adarsha Committees, including headmasters. Rs.120 crore has already been released out of Rs.600 crore for providing basic amenities like toilets and uniforms within the next 25 days.
Regarding Telangana Formation Day on June 2, the Minister announced a grand celebration, including the felicitation of Congress Parliamentary Party Chief Sonia Gandhi and others. If necessary, the government would seek permission from the Election Commission for the event.
IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu assured that there were no inconveniences for farmers at procurement centers, with all stocks procured promptly at MSP. Farmers who suffered crop damage due to unseasonal rains would be compensated, based on damage assessments conducted by district collectors and agriculture department officials.
Responding to a question about the Congress government’s commitment to offer Rs.15,000 per acre under Rythu Bharosa, the Minister said guidelines were being framed and the Kharif season was yet to start. “In a phased manner, along with Rythu Bharosa, all the promises made to the people will be fulfilled,” Sridhar Babu stated.
