Telangana mulls incentives to expand rice exports

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana government is considering special incentives to promote rice exports as part of its plan to transform the state into a global rice export hub, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Monday. He made the announcement after inaugurating KCP Nutri's multi-vitamin rice products at a private hotel in Hyderabad.

Speaking at the event, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana's rice has significant potential in both domestic and international markets. He said the government is preparing a dedicated strategy to encourage rice exports and support value-added products that can increase returns for farmers and rice millers.

The minister said the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures paddy from farmers for food security and not for exports. Therefore, the state government is exploring a new policy to help rice producers access overseas markets. He assured that industries meeting export quality standards would receive government support, including speedy approvals and necessary clearances.

Highlighting the state's agricultural performance, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana procured 81 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the recent Yasangi season, compared to 25 lakh metric tonnes in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. He said the figures reflected Telangana's agricultural strength, the hard work of its farmers and the government's farmer-friendly policies.

The minister said the government had already credited Rs.19,303 crore directly into farmers' bank accounts towards Yasangi paddy procurement, ensuring transparent and timely payments. He further stated that Telangana's annual rice production, considering both Rabi and Kharif seasons, has crossed 300 lakh metric tonnes (300 LMT). With the state's annual consumption at only 36 lakh metric tonnes, he said Telangana has become a surplus rice-producing state with vast export opportunities.

Calling value addition the future of the rice industry, Uttam Kumar Reddy urged millers to adopt modern technologies and produce fortified and multi-vitamin rice to meet growing global demand. He said the government would extend support.