Enough paddy purchase centres set-up: Minister Gangula Kamalakar

Karimnagar: BC Welfare and Civil Supplies Minister Gangula Kamalakar inaugurated paddy procurement centre established under Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society at Durshed village of Karimnagar Rural mandal on Wednesday.

The Minister said that enough procurement centres have been set up for Kharif crop in Karimnagar district, but grain procurement has been slowed down by unexpected rains. He also suggested the farmers to dry their rice grains in their villages before bringing them to the purchasing centres. The minimum subsidy price is set at Rs 1,835 per quintal of grade A and Rs 1,815 for common grain.

Kamalakar said that farmers have faced difficulties due to premature rains during harvesting season. The humidity percentage is increased as cuttings are brought directly to the purchasing centres from villages. Farmers were suggested to buy subsidised palm leaf.

The Minister felt that a need to stop grains coming from other States as it will cause huge loss to local farmers. He said the decision of selling grains at Rs 1,835 was made even though it will burden the government financially.

The officials of concerned department have been ordered to take steps to send the farmers in the corresponding slots to paddy purchasing centres. Based on needs and situation, the centres will be increased, Minister Kamalakar added.

Along with the Minister, Karimnagar Rural MPP Lakshmaiah, former MPP Vasala Ramesh, Chairman of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society Manda Rajamallu, upa-sarpanch Sunki Shala Sampath Rao, officials, farmers and others have also participated.