Millers rewarded for timely delivery of custom milled rice

The Haryana government has recognised the effort of 95 rice mills, who had delivered their share of Custom Milled Rice (CMR) to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) before the official deadline of March 15. The mills have been rewarded for their efficiency and punctuality.

Besides the usual milling charges, the millers will get a bonus of Rs 15 per quintal. The government has approved a total bonus of Rs 3.14 crore, which will be distributed among the rice mills as a token of appreciation for the timely delivery of CMR.

What is the CMR policy?

Under the CMR policy, a miller is required to deliver 67% rice with 1% fortified rice kernels (FRK) against the total allotted paddy. As per the CMR policy 2024-25, each miller must deliver 15% of rice by the end of November, another 25% by December-end, further 25% by January-end, another 25% by February-end and the remaining 10% by March 15. The failure to deliver rice within the schedule could invite penalties, so the extension has come as a major relief for the millers.

How much paddy was allotted and how much rice have been delivered?

All procurement agencies have allotted 53,98,661.92 MT of paddy to rice millers across the state, against which they have to deliver 36,53,274.51 MT of rice. So far, the rice millers across the state have delivered 32,37,551.49 MT, which is around 86.62%.

What is the district-wise status of CMR?

Rice millers of Fatehabad have delivered cent percent of rice, followed by Ambala – 99.71%, Sirsa – 98.94%, Palwal – 95.96%, Panchkula – 95.31%, Yamunanagar – 91.88%, Jind – 89.93%, Kurukshetra – 88.35%, Rohtak – 85.15%, Kaithal – 80.98%, Karnal – 74.4%, Hisar – 63.45%, Sonepat – 34.61% and Panipat – 19.4%.

How is the bonus being distributed and by whom?

The bonus will be disbursed by procurement agencies. A sum of Rs 1,26,09,117 by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to 40 mills, Rs 63,14,661 by HAFED Panchkula to 36 mills and Rs 1,25,36,937 by the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation (HSWC) to 19 mills. Out of these 95 mills, maximum 51 are from Yamunanagar, 25 mills from Ambala, seven from Karnal, five mills each from Panchkula and Kurukshetra, one each from Kaithal and Fatehabad.

Why was there a delay in early days for starting CMR deliveries?

While CMR deliveries were scheduled to begin in November, several issues caused delays. The delay in finalisation of godown assignments for receiving rice by the FCI, delay in finalisation of the agency for supply FRK to the millers were among the key reasons behind the delay in starting the CMR deliveries. After the rice millers raised these issues, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) officially allowed the millers to start deliveries only from December 15, a full month after the scheduled start.

Why is the incentive important for the rice milling sector?

Karnal DFSC Anil Kumar says this step will encourage efficiency and timely procurement, strengthen accountability in the milling process, and support the seamless functioning of the food supply chain. Besides, it will also serve as a model of best practices for other millers in the state.

What does the government aim to achieve through this initiative?

Kumar claims the initiative is part of the state government’s broader efforts to encourage millers to deliver CMR on time, which will further enhance food security and maintain a smooth and efficient supply chain.