Telangana state agriculture minister S Niranjan Reddy said they held elaborate talks with union minister Piyush Goyal on paddy procurement but in vain.
As usual the Central Government dodged the issue and did not give any promise on whether they would procure the paddy now being harvested. However, the central government made it clear that it would not procure boiled rice in the summer season.
Mr Niranjan Reddy said when apprised the union minister that they have paddy cultivated in 62 lakh acres, the latter said it was only in 58 lakh acres.
When asked about the minimum support price, the union minister said they would set up a committee for the purpose soon.
Mr Niranjan Reddy told the Union Minister that it was the local BJP leaders who were asking farmers in Telangana to opt for paddy in summer. Mr Piyush Goyal said they would warrant their party leaders not to talk so.
Mr Niranjan Reddy said they were totally disappointed with the attitude of the union minister as they did not provide any answer or made any promise with regard to paddy procurement.