Telangana Government Shifts to Fine Rice for Food Security

The government of Telangana, led by Minister of Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, has announced a significant shift in its food security policy, replacing coarse rice with fine rice, known as sanna biyyam. This decision aims to address inefficiencies in the current food distribution system and ensure that aid reaches those in genuine need. The announcement was made during a training camp for District Congress Committee presidents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in Vikarabad.

Reddy criticized the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, stating that Telangana spends approximately ₹12,000 crore annually to distribute 6 kilograms of coarse rice to each beneficiary. He highlighted that surveys indicate nearly 90 percent of this coarse grain is misallocated, being diverted for animal feed, used by breweries, or recycled by mills. This diversion has led to a considerable waste of public funds, as residents in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh show a clear preference for fine rice.

To combat this waste, the Congress government has developed a comprehensive alternative to the current coarse-grain distribution system. Reddy emphasized that this reform aligns with the state’s successful transition towards fine paddy production and procurement, ensuring that food security effectively reaches its intended recipients.

Advancements in Irrigation Projects

In addition to changes in food distribution, Reddy provided updates on various irrigation projects in the state. He announced that the Srisailam left bank canal project is progressing rapidly, aiming to bring water to approximately 300,000 acres. Other significant projects, including the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy lift irrigation scheme and related initiatives such as Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, Koilsagar, and Bhima, are expected to be completed before the upcoming Assembly elections.

Reddy also detailed the Devadula project, which is set to be completed by December 2027. This project will irrigate over 680,000 acres and supply drinking water to the Warangal region. Moreover, the Sitarama and Seetamma Sagar projects are designed to draw water from the Godavari River, facilitating irrigation for about 600,000 acres in the former Khammam district.

Reddy credited Sonia Gandhi for her pivotal role in granting statehood to Telangana. He also remarked on the political landscape, recalling that K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had promised to merge with the Congress party but later withdrew from this commitment after the formation of a separate Telangana, allegedly to pursue personal interests that included establishing a family-led governance.

This initiative marks a major step for the Telangana government in its commitment to enhancing food security and improving irrigation infrastructure, reflecting a broader strategy to support local agricultural practices and meet the needs of its citizens.