- Played a key role in the commission scheme related to jowar (sorghum) sales.
- Lobbied with traders, selling the stock at a loss of ₹93 crores.
- Bribes were paid from the lowest to the highest levels.
- He was the one who coordinated between traders and officials.
- Commissions allegedly ranged from ₹50 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per person.
Article Today, Hyderabad:
In the Telangana MARKFED, the institution meant to help farmers, allegations are rising that a few officials are more interested in personal gain than in public service. Even though the organization is sinking in financial losses, some officers are allegedly manipulating the system to fill their own pockets. Treating MARKFED like their personal empire, they’re said to be making crores through corrupt practices. Shockingly, even lower-level officers whose official salaries are modest—live grand lifestyles, owning villas, flats, and land in their native towns. The situation is so blatant that people compare them to high-ranking IAS or IPS officers in terms of status and wealth. Insiders say MARKFED has become a ‘golden goose’ for a few, being looted in plain sight.
Crores in Commissions from Jowar Sales
Last year MARKFED procured jowar (sorghum) from farmers and later sold it to traders. But the sales were done at such low prices that the organization ended up with losses of around ₹93 crore. Even according to general market estimates, at least Rs.60 crore was lost. Sources claim this was no accident—it was a deliberate move to help certain traders earn huge profits. Internal whispers say around Rs.10 crore was taken as commissions in the deal. These commissions, ranging between Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 1 crore per person, were allegedly distributed based on position and role. At the center of this operation is one senior officer, who acted as the main link between traders and officials. Reports suggest he alone planned to take around Rs.1.5 crore for himself. Employees say tenders were finalized only after these under-the-table deals were agreed upon.
Assets Speak Louder Than Words…
When questioned, officials deny any wrongdoing and claim that everything is above board. But many within MARKFED say the officials’ properties and lifestyles tell another story. A former top officer is rumored to have received Rs. 2 crore during a family function as commission. The current senior-most officer—who has stayed at there for years—is said to collect commissions on every tender. Since he joined MARKFED, he is believed to have taken over Rs. 15 crore through various means. The money has reportedly reached him in multiple forms, making a mockery of the organization’s purpose. While farmers suffer and the organization weakens, some within act as if MARKFED is their private business—betraying the very institution they’re paid to protect.
Markfed in a fix
- Officials stuck in lucrative posts for years
- Attempts to block others from taking over
- Vishnuvardhan Rao continuing as GM from last six years
- Board orders his removal, but he seems unbothered
A special story in tomorrow’s edition…
