Telangana plans 14-month foodgrain buffer to cover over 3 crore people amid El Niño threat

The State is planning to build a foodgrain security buffer covering up to 14 months, with officials asked to ensure that pending rice supplies reached government stocks on schedule. File image for representation only. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Telangana government is planning to strengthen its foodgrain security buffer to protect 3.42 crore Public Distribution System (PDS) users against possible drought, crop losses and rising prices amid the anticipated impact of El Niño.

Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to plan procurement and stock management well in advance to ensure uninterrupted supplies even if deficient rainfall affects the forthcoming agricultural seasons.

At a review meeting held at his Secretariat chambers on Monday (October 19, 2026), the Minister reviewed the State’s rice stocks and procurement plans and stressed the need to prepare for adverse weather conditions rather than depend entirely on the success of the next paddy harvest.

The State is planning to build a foodgrain security buffer covering up to 14 months, with officials asked to ensure that pending rice supplies reached government stocks on schedule.