Telangana Paddy Procurement Accelerates Through IKP Centres

Paddy procurement through Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP) centres in Telangana has accelerated during the ongoing Yasangi (Rabi) season, with officials reporting that 11 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have arrived at 3,563 procurement centres across the state. Of this, nearly 7 lakh metric tonnes have been procured and dispatched to rice mills, according to District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) data.

The state government has expanded the procurement network beyond its annual target of 3,400 IKP centres, with 163 additional centres established so far. Officials said further centres may be opened based on paddy arrival volumes in individual districts.

Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), operating under the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), manage nearly 40% of the procurement centres. They are responsible for weighing, record-keeping, transportation, and online transaction updates, contributing to smoother and more efficient operations.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka reviewed progress and directed officials to expedite weighing, transportation, and online registration of paddy at all centres. She emphasized coordination among ground staff to minimize delays and ensure timely procurement.