Andhra Pradesh sets record in paddy purchase, unveils farmer-friendly reforms

ByTech Word News

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar chairs a performance review meeting on paddy procurement in Vijayawada on Thursday. | Photo credit: GN Rao

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Andhra Pradesh has procured a record 74 lakh tonnes of rice in the last two years and introduced a series of reforms aimed at making public procurement faster, more transparent and farmer-friendly, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar said on Thursday.

Reviewing the purchase of paddy fields and preparations for the upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons, the minister said that the coalition government had purchased paddy rice worth ₹ 31,000 crore, with 95% of the payments of ₹ 11.53 lakh credited to their bank accounts within 24 hours. He noted that the procurement has surged from 42 million metric tonnes during the previous government to 74 million metric tonnes under the current exemption.

Politics of broken rice

Mr. Manohar said that Andhra Pradesh’s 10% broken rice policy has received national recognition and the Center has decided to adopt the model across the country. He highlighted reforms like QR code based tracking, tracking system and registration of farmers on WhatsApp which increased transparency.

For the upcoming Kharif season, the government will supply the gunny bags directly at the Rythu Seva Kendras, while the transportation charges incurred by the farmers will be credited within 48 hours. Uniform hygrometers are also being installed across the state to eliminate moisture disputes.

The minister warned that El Niño could affect rice paddy production in some regions and said the government was coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and scientists to minimize its impact.

Special Chief Secretary K. Kannababu and Civil Supplies Commissioner S. Dilli Rao said Andhra Pradesh has become a national model in paddy procurement due to coordinated efforts by officials, rice millers and transport agencies.

FCI Regional Director General Vijay Kumar Yadav lauded the state’s reforms, including the successful implementation of QR code-based tracking, which are now being replicated by other states.

Farmers also raised questions about public procurement, after which the minister assured them that the government would address their concerns.

Published – 9 Jul 2026 20:55 IST