AP govt pushes for shift to fine rice cultivation

By Venu Lanka

State govt is taking concrete steps to encourage farmers to shift from cultivating thick rice to fine rice varieties in the upcoming kharif season. Although a majority of people in the state prefer fine rice for daily consumption, nearly 95% of the farmers continue to grow thick rice, which is not suitable for local use and is mostly exported to neighboring states for rice rava and idli rava production.

To address the mismatch between consumption and cultivation, civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar has initiated a special awareness and support programme to promote the cultivation of fine rice. He emphasised the importance of aligning farming practices with consumer demand to ensure better profitability for farmers and reduce dependency on imports of fine rice.

Speaking at a meeting with the rice millers association held at the civil supplies office in Kanuru, Vijayawada, Manohar urged rice millers to take active role in this transformation.

“Millers should encourage farmers to grow fine rice and work together in the interest of both agriculture and consumers,” he said, adding, “We must protect farmers’ interests while also maintaining the state’s food standards.”

The minister added that promoting fine rice will not only fulfill domestic needs but also open up export opportunities, benefitting the farming sector in the long run.

The civil supplies department will coordinate closely with millers and farmers to roll out this initiative effectively in time for the next agricultural season.

Meanwhile, the agriculture department is also‌ initiating measures to promote the cultivation of fine varieties like Sona Masuri, Samba Masuri and others. Agriculture authorities said that there is a huge demand for the super fine paddy seed in the market.

�� Infographic Highlights:

FINE RICE IN DEMAND

95% of AP farmers grow thick rice despite demand for fine rice

Thick rice mostly used for rava, not preferred for daily meals

Civil supplies dept pushed fine rice cultivation programme

Minister Manohar met rice millers to seek cooperation

Goal to align cultivation with consumer demand & export prospects

This article has been republished from The Times of India.