Global Rice News

Telangana Govt’s Dalit Bandhu Transforms Tractor Driver into Owner of Mobile Rice Mill in Sircilla

In a remarkable turn of events, Thandrala Parsharam, a tractor driver from Fazulnagar in Vemulawada rural mandal, has become the proud owner of a mobile ricemill-cum-tractor, all thanks to the Telangana government’s Dalit Bandhu scheme. Parsharam, who had dropped out of school after completing Class 7 in order to support his family, used his hard-earned money to purchase the mobile rice mill under the scheme, spending a total of Rs 14 lakh.

The first mobile rice mill unit under the Dalit Bandhu scheme was handed over to Parsharam by IT Minister KT Rama Rao, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards self-sufficiency. Parsharam had been working as a tractor driver since 2012, diligently contributing to his family’s income. However, his aspirations went beyond that, and he decided to apply for a mobile rice mill unit, combining his experience as a tractor driver with his work on a paddy harvester.

With the support of village sarpanch Nagula Venugopal and former MPTC Gaddam Hanumandlu, Parsharam successfully applied for the mobile rice mill unit. Although the Rs 10 lakh sanctioned under Dalit Bandhu was not sufficient for the entire cost of the unit, Parsharam sought additional help from district Collector Anurag Jayanthi. Understanding his enthusiasm, the Collector took the initiative to sanction a Rs 2.50 lakh loan from the Union Bank of India. With the remaining amount of Rs 1.50 lakh, Parsharam was able to purchase the mobile rice mill unit.

Parsharam is now eager to start milling paddy from the current Vanakalam season. The mobile rice mill will allow him to mill six quintals of rice per hour. By charging Rs 300 for milling a quintal of rice, he expects to earn around Rs 1,800 per hour. After subtracting the cost of diesel, he estimates that he will make a profit of Rs 1,300 for every six quintals of rice milled.

During the off-season, Parsharam plans to utilize the tractor for non-agricultural work, further boosting his income. His wife, Swarupa, who previously worked as a farm laborer and made beedis to support the family, is relieved and grateful for the purchase of the mobile rice mill-tractor unit.

Parsharam extends his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, Minister Rama Rao, and local MLA Ch Ramesh Babu for their unwavering support. Their assistance has not only empowered Parsharam but also provided him with the tools to create a better future for himself and his family.

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