The ongoing paddy procurement crisis in Telangana has turned into a major political flashpoint, with senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao launching a sharp attack on the Congress government over the alleged delay in purchasing farmers’ produce. Following unseasonal rains in several districts, thousands of bags of harvested paddy reportedly got drenched at procurement centres, triggering anger among farmers and opposition leaders alike.

Harish Rao, during his visit to procurement centres in Siddipet and nearby regions, accused the State government of failing to manage the procurement process effectively. According to him, farmers had already completed harvesting and transported their produce to the centres well in advance, but the slow lifting process left the grain exposed to rain. As a result, large quantities of paddy suffered moisture damage, creating fear among farmers that their produce may either be rejected or purchased at reduced prices.

The BRS leader stated that procurement delays are not just administrative failures but direct blows to the farming community. He argued that farmers invest heavily every season by spending on seeds, fertilizers, labour and transportation. After months of hard work, they expect timely procurement and fair payment from the government. Instead, many farmers were allegedly forced to wait for days under uncertain weather conditions.

One of the major complaints raised during the visit was the shortage of transport vehicles and storage facilities. Farmers reportedly said that even after their paddy was weighed, the grain remained at centres because authorities failed to arrange immediate transportation to warehouses. In some locations, heaps of paddy bags were seen lying in open yards without proper protective covers.

Harish Rao also questioned the government’s repeated claims that procurement operations were progressing smoothly. He alleged that the official figures presented to the public did not reflect the actual ground reality. According to him, procurement centres across several districts were functioning slowly due to poor coordination between officials, millers and transport agencies.

The issue gained further attention because of the unexpected rains that lashed Telangana during the procurement season. Farmers who had already harvested their crop were left helpless as rainwater soaked the grain stored in open areas. In rural regions, visuals of farmers trying to protect paddy bags using plastic sheets and tarpaulins sparked widespread concern.

Another point strongly raised by Harish Rao was the moisture condition imposed on farmers. He demanded that the government purchase rain-affected paddy without imposing strict moisture limits or deductions. He argued that farmers cannot be blamed for weather-related damage, especially when procurement delays from the government side contributed to the problem.

The BRS leadership has been attempting to project the issue as a major example of what they call “administrative negligence” by the ruling Congress government. Party leaders claim that during the previous BRS administration, procurement operations were completed faster and farmers did not face such prolonged delays. The Congress government, however, has defended itself by stating that procurement on a large scale naturally involves logistical challenges and that officials are working to speed up the process.

Meanwhile, the political atmosphere surrounding the issue has intensified. Opposition parties are using the procurement crisis to corner the ruling government, while the Congress has accused the BRS of politicising farmers’ problems for political gain. Despite the blame game, farmers remain primarily concerned about immediate solutions, compensation for damaged grain and quick payments.

Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Telangana’s rural economy, and paddy procurement remains one of the most sensitive issues in the State. Even small delays can create massive financial pressure on farming families, especially those dependent on seasonal income to repay loans and prepare for the next crop cycle.

Harish Rao warned that if procurement operations are not accelerated immediately, the BRS would organize protests across Telangana demanding justice for farmers. He urged the government to deploy additional manpower, increase transport arrangements and ensure that every grain brought to procurement centres is purchased without harassment.

The controversy once again highlights the challenges faced by farmers during procurement seasons and the importance of efficient planning during unpredictable weather conditions. As political parties continue exchanging accusations, farmers across Telangana are hoping for faster action on the ground rather than promises in press conferences.