Minister Vivek Venkatswamy reviews paddy procurement

Mancherial, May 27: Labour and Mines Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy assured farmers that the State Government would procure every last grain of paddy produced by them and warned that the government would not tolerate attempts to provoke farmers for political gains.
The Minister visited a few paddy procurement centres in Mancherial district on Wednesday along with the district collector Kumar Anudeep and civil supplies department officials. He reviewed the procurement process and interacted with the farmers during his visit. He strongly condemned the remarks made by Balka Suman on this occasion.
He said that the paddy production was significantly higher this season. While around 1.10 lakh tonnes of paddy were procured during the previous season, the government aims to continue procurement operations till June 6 and procure nearly 1.70 lakh tonnes this time.
He stated that three warehouses had been readied in Peddapalli district for paddy storage. Although there had been some delays due to a shortage of hamalis and non-availability of lorries, the government was taking steps to resolve the issues. He added that the Singareni company had also been requested to provide additional lorries.
The Minister alleged that while the procurement process was progressing smoothly, BRS leaders were deliberately staging politically motivated protests. He said that at a time when farmers needed reassurance, certain leaders were attempting to incite unrest among them.
Condemning Balka Suman’s comments, the Minister said that the former MLA was acting out of frustration after being rejected by the people. He remarked that during the previous BRS government, hundreds of lorries used to remain stranded, whereas such situations were not prevailing now.
The Minister warned that the government would not tolerate attempts to take the law into one’s own hands for political drama. He also made it clear that strict legal action would be taken against those damaging government property.
Referring to Balka Suman’s statement that he had spent ₹100 crore during the previous elections, the Minister demanded that he explain to the public where the money had come from. He further said that Balka Suman owed an apology to the people of Telangana.
Earlier, the Minister also inspected the newly established paddy procurement centre at Indaram village in Mancherial district. Accompanied by District Collector Kumar Deepak, he reviewed the procurement arrangements with officials.
On the occasion, the Minister assured farmers that there was no need for concern and reiterated that procuring every grain produced by farmers was the responsibility of the State Government. He said all necessary measures were being taken to ensure that farmers did not face any inconvenience.
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