Hyderabad: Civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday said the Telangana govt is considering incentives for promoting rice exports in a big way.Speaking at a programme, Uttam Kumar said: “Telangana has to explore new markets both outside the state and abroad. The Food Corporation of India is buying for domestic purposes and not for exports. Now we are going to come up with a new initiative to go forward with exports,” he said.“The state govt will fully support millers and businesses that follow basic norms and quality standards. Necessary permissions would be facilitated smoothly for genuine players looking to expand beyond domestic markets,” he added.In the just-concluded Yasangi (Rabi) season alone, the state procured 81 lakh metric tons of paddy — a figure in sharp contrast with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, which procured 25 lakh metric tons despite being a larger state geographically, Uttam pointed out.“The govt has already transferred ₹19,303 crore directly into farmers’ bank accounts for the Rabi season’s procurement. Combined procurement across Yasangi and Vanakalam seasons has further cemented Telangana’s position as a leading rice-producing state in the country,” he said.Minister Uttam urged the rice industry to adopt a future-oriented approach and called for innovative ideas and competition in the sector, noting that products like multivitamin rice would help address health and nutrition concerns that increasingly influence consumer choices — both domestically and internationally.
