Harish Rao hits back at Uttam Kumar Reddy over paddy procurement delays

Also points out that not a single rupee of the promised Rs 767 crore bonus for fine variety paddy has been disbursed so far

Hyderabad: Former Minister T Harish Rao launched a sharp counter to Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy’s defence of the Congress government’s handling of paddy procurement, accusing him of ignoring farmers’ suffering and dodging accountability.

Responding to Uttam Kumar Reddy’s claims, Harish Rao questioned the government’s failure to clear pending dues. “You admitted that Rs 4,000 crore is yet to be paid to farmers. But you promised payment within 48 hours. When will this money be paid?” he asked. He also pointed out that not a single rupee of the promised Rs 767 crore bonus for fine variety paddy has been disbursed so far.

He criticised the Minister for focusing more on criticising the opposition than addressing the crisis. He demanded immediate procurement of rain-soaked grain, prompt payments to farmers, improved facilities at procurement centres, and an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh to the families of deceased farmers.

Earlier, Uttam Kumar Reddy refuted Harish Rao’s allegations, stating that the government had already procured 43.10 lakh tonnes of paddy this Yasangi season which is 65 per cent of the targeted 70.13 lakh tonnes and paid Rs 6,671 crore of Rs 10,000 crore to farmers. He said the estimated production for the season is 1.27 crore tonnes from 55 lakh acres. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to paying the Rs 500 per quintal bonus, totaling Rs 767 crore.