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KTR Warns of Statewide Protest Over Delay in Paddy Procurement
K. T. Rama Rao has issued a strong warning to the Telangana government, threatening a statewide agitation if immediate steps are not taken to begin paddy procurement. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president accused the ruling administration of neglecting farmers and deliberately delaying purchases despite repeated assurances.
During a visit to a procurement centre in Baddenapalli village of Thangallapalli mandal, Rama Rao interacted directly with farmers and assessed their concerns. He expressed frustration that, despite farmers bringing their produce to centres for over a month, not a single grain had been officially procured. He alleged that the delay was intentional, aimed at avoiding the financial burden of paying both the minimum support price (MSP) and an additional ₹500 bonus per quintal.
Rama Rao also highlighted logistical failures, noting the absence of proper infrastructure such as weighing machines and allocated rice mills. Without these essentials, he questioned how procurement could proceed efficiently. He accused the government of indirectly benefiting middlemen while leaving farmers vulnerable.
The BRS leader stressed the urgency of the situation, particularly with the looming threat of unseasonal rains linked to the El Niño effect. Farmers, he said, are already struggling to protect their harvested paddy by covering it with tarpaulins. Any delay could result in severe losses.
He demanded immediate action, including setting up procurement systems and ensuring timely payments. Rama Rao further criticized the Congress government for failing to implement key promises such as Rythu Bandhu support for tenant farmers and financial aid for agricultural labourers. He concluded by warning that if the situation persists, the BRS will mobilize farmers across the state for a massive protest.
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