BRS leader Harish Rao warns Telangana government of major farmers’ protest if paddy procurement delays and shortage of transport facilities continue.

BRS senior leader T. Harish Rao has warned the Telangana government of an indefinite agitation if paddy procurement operations are not accelerated within the next few days.

During a visit to the Ensan Pally procurement centre, the former minister interacted with farmers who alleged long waiting periods and inadequate arrangements for lifting paddy stocks. Harish Rao claimed that delays in procurement, shortage of transport vehicles, and insufficient gunny bags were creating severe hardships for cultivators across several villages.

He accused the state government of mishandling the procurement process and alleged that farmers were facing financial losses due to damaged produce caused by untimely rains. According to him, only a fraction of the harvested paddy has been procured so far, leaving large quantities exposed at procurement centres.

Harish Rao also alleged irregularities in weighing practices and criticised the government over delayed implementation of farmer welfare commitments, including pending benefits under support schemes.

Warning of intensified protests, the BRS leader said he would lead a large-scale dharna and lay siege to the Collectorate if immediate corrective measures were not taken.

The procurement issue is emerging as a politically sensitive matter in Telangana, especially in agricultural regions where timely paddy purchases directly impact farmer incomes. Delays during peak procurement season often increase the risk of crop spoilage and additional transportation costs for cultivators.

For farmers, faster lifting of stocks and adequate logistical support remain critical, particularly during periods of unpredictable weather that can quickly damage stored grain.