Hyderabad, May 25 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday alleged that the Central government is not procuring even 30 per cent of the food grains produced by the farmers.

During separate interactions with delegations of CPI and CPI-M leaders, he stated that although the Central government announced Minimum Support Prices (MSP), it is not procuring food grains adequately.

He said the Centre is not even procuring 30 per cent of the harvested crop and stressed that questions must be raised with the Centre regarding crop procurement policies.

The Chief Minister said the Telangana government is procuring every grain produced by farmers in the state. He noted that procurement operations are facing certain logistical challenges due to a shortage of ‘hamalis’ (porters) caused by the West Bengal elections and extreme summer heat affecting work during afternoon hours.

Despite these difficulties, the government is continuously monitoring procurement operations, he added.

Revanth Reddy further stated that the government is purchasing fine variety paddy by offering a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal and is also procuring maize at the MSP to safeguard farmers’ interests.

A delegation of CPI leaders led by party MLA Kunamaneni Sambashiva Ra met the Chief Minister. They thanked the Chief Minister for the decision to increase minimum wages for workers.

Speaking on the issue of farmers, the Chief Minister stated that despite the Central government’s lack of cooperation, they are procuring grains in the state.

He said that the yield of maize in the state has been good, but the Centre is not procuring maize. He remarked that even if it results in a loss to the government, they are procuring maize so that farmers do not face difficulties.

Those present at this meeting included CPI MLC Satyam, leaders Chad Venkata Reddy, Pashya Padma, E. Narasimha, Bagam Hemant Rao, Shankar, Bal Narasimha, VS Bose, and Rajya Sabha member Vem Narender Reddy.

A delegation of CPI-M leaders led by state Secretary John Wesley also met the Chief Minister. They thanked the Chief Minister for bringing in legislation for the revision of minimum wages, stating that the move would greatly benefit workers and employees across the State.

The meeting was attended by former MLA Julakanti Ranga Reddy, P. Sudarshan, Jyothi, Nunna Nageswara Rao, Mallu Lakshmi, Samineni Swarajyam, M. Gopala Rao, and Rajya Sabha Member Narender Reddy.

On the Musi River redevelopment project, the Chief Minister assured that displaced families would be provided rehabilitation within the local area itself. He alleged that the BRS and the BJP are politicising the Musi issue and reiterated that the government aims to transform the Musi into a world-class tourist destination.

He stated that the Musi project would generate employment opportunities for youth and also help address severe pollution issues affecting people in the Nalgonda district. The Chief Minister said his objective is to provide a better quality of life to urban residents.

On education reforms, Revanth Reddy said the government is undertaking major reforms in public education with the goal of delivering quality education to students.

He highlighted that nutritious breakfasts and meals are being provided to students and that Telangana Public Schools are being established across the state.

–IANS

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