Published on: October 18, 2025 | 7:07 PM IST

Amaravati: In a major step towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the agricultural supply chain, the Andhra Pradesh government will monitor paddy procurement in real time through the Real Time Governance System (RTGS). State Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar announced the initiative on Saturday, stating that every stage of the procurement process would now be tracked digitally via a centralized dashboard.

Speaking after a workshop for civil supplies and agriculture officials, Manohar emphasized that this technological intervention would ensure accountability, streamline logistics, and provide farmers with a smoother procurement experience. “Paddy procurement will be monitored on a real-time basis through the Real Time Governance System. Every aspect of the process will be accessible through a central dashboard,” the minister said in an official press release.

The initiative comes as Andhra Pradesh targets the procurement of 51 lakh tonnes of paddy during the Kharif season for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The minister said that the entire process should take place in a “festive atmosphere” without causing any inconvenience to farmers. He urged officials to learn from the shortcomings identified during the previous procurement season and to prepare meticulously to avoid repetition of past issues.

To ensure a smooth operation, Manohar directed officials to make advance arrangements for gunny bags, labourers, and transport facilities. He instructed joint collectors to strictly prevent middlemen from interfering in the supply of gunny bags—a concern that has often disrupted the procurement chain in previous years.

The minister also underscored the importance of transparency in dealings with rice millers, particularly in preventing the recycling of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice, a practice that has previously led to irregularities in the supply chain. “Rice millers’ commitment not to recycle PDS rice must be clearly mentioned in their agreements,” Manohar said, adding that any violation of this rule would invite strict action.

He also instructed officials to prioritize rice millers who can deliver rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) within 60 days, in line with government standards for prompt delivery. This move, he said, would help improve efficiency and ensure that paddy reaches the national food supply network without delay.

Referring to last year’s unseasonal rains that affected procurement, Manohar recalled that 30,000 tarpaulin sheets were distributed to protect paddy stocks. He directed officials to keep tarpaulins and other protective materials ready in advance this year to prevent damage from unexpected weather conditions.

The minister reiterated that the NDA government at both the state and central levels is pursuing a “farmer-friendly approach”, and that cultivators will have full freedom to sell their produce to any rice mill of their choice at their preferred price. He also highlighted the use of digital communication platforms to make the procurement process more accessible.

Farmers, he said, can join the government’s procurement initiative by simply sending a “hi” message on WhatsApp, after which they will receive guidance on registration, selling procedures, and payment tracking. In a further assurance, Manohar confirmed that payments for procured paddy will be credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts within 48 hours of sale, ensuring faster financial turnaround and reducing dependency on intermediaries.

The real-time monitoring mechanism through RTGS is expected to revolutionize the way agricultural procurement is managed in the state. By integrating technology into the supply chain, the government aims to address long-standing issues such as delays in payments, manipulation by middlemen, and lack of transparency in procurement data.

Officials believe that the initiative will not only enhance efficiency but also build greater trust among farmers toward government procurement programs. The system will provide real-time data on procurement volumes, payment status, and logistical updates, enabling both state and district-level officers to make timely interventions when required.

As Andhra Pradesh prepares for the new procurement season, the government’s focus on digital transparency, farmer empowerment, and efficient governance through RTGS reflects a broader commitment to modernizing agriculture management. If implemented effectively, the initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen their farm procurement systems using real-time technology and data-driven decision-making.