Naidu: Govt committed to fair paddy procurement, payment within 2 hours

THE government is committed to fair paddy procurement practices and ensuring that payments are made to farmers efficiently through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) within two hours, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during a press meet at Dhanekula Engineering College on Friday after a field visit to a Rythu Seva Kendram (RSK) and a rice mill in Ganguru village.

- K KALYAN KRISHNA KUMAR

Pointing out that a 40% rise in paddy procurement has been recorded this year, he said 22 lakh tonnes has been collected from 3.7 lakh farmers, compared to 12.55 lakh tonnes last year. He highlighted that payments for 93% paddy procured were made within 24 hours.

Further, Naidu warned of strict action under the PD (Preventive Detention) Act against those resorting to rice smuggling. "We will ensure the term 'rice smuggler' is not heard in the State," he asserted.