Telangana plans 14-month food supply to cover more than 3 million people amid El Niño threat

The state plans to build a food security stockpile for up to 14 months, with officials asked to ensure that pending rice stocks reach the government’s stockpile on schedule. File image for representation only. | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Telangana government plans to strengthen its food security buffer to protect 3.42 million Public Distribution System (PDS) users from possible drought, crop losses and rising prices amid the expected impact of El Niño.

Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to plan procurement and stock management well in advance to ensure uninterrupted supply even as lack of rainfall affects the upcoming farming season.

In a review meeting held at his secretariats on Monday (October 19, 2026), the minister reviewed the country’s rice stocks and procurement plans and stressed the need to prepare for adverse weather conditions rather than depending entirely on the success of the next rice harvest.

The state plans to build a food security stockpile for up to 14 months, with officials asked to ensure that pending rice stocks reach the government’s stockpile on schedule.

Telangana requires about 2.38 million tonnes of rice every month or 28.56 million tonnes annually to meet the requirements of the Central Pool Public Distribution Scheme, other welfare schemes and the state fund, including the mid-day meal programme.

Supplies last for 11.7 months

According to the Civil Supplies Department’s stock status as of October 16, the state has 9.64 lakh metric tonnes of rice in stock. This included 3.50 lakh metric tonnes under the central fund and other welfare schemes and 6.14 lakh metric tonnes under the state fund.

Another 18.39 lakh metric tonnes was expected through pending deliveries of milled rice (CMR) and other identified deliveries.

With existing stocks and expected receipts, total availability was estimated at 28.03 lakh metric tonnes, sufficient to meet the combined PDS and other welfare requirements for about 11.7 months, until September 2027.

The minister emphasized that the ministry should closely monitor supplies from rice mills and other sources to ensure that scheduled supplies are made within the stipulated time.

He said the government would remain ready to protect the food security of millions of beneficiaries even if future crops were hit by natural calamities.

More basic commodities through PDS

The government is also examining the possibility of distributing selected essential commodities, including wheat flour, through the PDS to buffer households from potential price increases during times of emergency.

Officials presented financial estimates for various distribution models, including supply of commodities at subsidized rates.

The commodities under consideration include wheat flour, red gram, palm oil, sugar, tamarind and chilli powder, besides other essential items.

Before submitting the proposals for decision, the Department was asked to develop the quantities required per user, the purchase arrangements and the financial implications of the proposed distribution.

The review meeting was attended by Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra and other senior officials.

Published – 19 Oct 2026 21:05 IST