In a move to boost transparency and efficiency in agricultural practices, Andhra Pradesh will now monitor paddy procurement in real time using the state’s Real Time Governance System. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar announced that all aspects of the procurement process will be visible on a central dashboard, ensuring accountability and ease of access for relevant stakeholders.
This initiative comes as the state aims to procure a significant 51 lakh tonnes of paddy during the current Kharif season for fiscal year 2025-26. Minister Manohar emphasized the importance of conducting the procurement in a manner that is both smooth and festive for the farmers, ensuring they face no inconvenience.
To achieve this, officials have been directed to ensure all necessary arrangements, including the availability of gunny bags, labor, and transportation, are in place well in advance. A key focus is also placed on preventing the involvement of middlemen in the supply of gunny bags, with joint collectors tasked to oversee this aspect closely.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the need for strict adherence to agreements with rice millers, particularly regarding the non-recycling of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice. Priority will be given to millers who can deliver the processed rice to the Food Corporation of India within a 60-day timeframe.
In anticipation of unseasonal rains, officials are also instructed to have 30,000 tarpaulin sheets readily available, as was done in the previous year. The government, adopting a “farmer-friendly approach,” is assuring farmers that they have the freedom to sell their produce to any mill at a price they find agreeable. For farmers looking to participate, a simple “hi” message on WhatsApp will initiate the process, with payments guaranteed to be credited to their accounts within 48 hours of the sale.