Hyderabad, March 31 -- State irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday, March 31, announced the successful exportation of the first consignment of rice to the Philippines, marking a major step in tapping global markets for Telangana's surplus paddy.

Speaking to media persons after flagging off the shipment at Kakinada Port, Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that 12,500 metric tonnes of rice had been dispatched earlier in the day. "This is a significant moment for Telangana's farmers and our agriculture sector," he said.

"This year the annual paddy production was about 280 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs), and we often produce far more than what is required for the state and central pool," he added.

The minister pointed out...