The deadline for the delivery of custom-milled rice (CMR) in Haryana expired on June 30, with over six lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of rice yet to be delivered to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The state's rice millers have cited storage constraints and are demanding an extension of the deadline, warning of potential disruptions in the public distribution system.
Current Status of Deliveries
According to officials, out of the total target of 45 LMT of custom-milled rice for the 2025-26 marketing season, approximately 39 LMT has been delivered so far. The remaining 6 LMT is still pending, with millers struggling to find adequate storage space. The FCI has set up temporary storage facilities, but millers claim these are insufficient to handle the volume.
"We have been requesting the government to extend the deadline by at least a month to clear the backlog," said Raj Kumar Gupta, president of the Haryana Rice Millers Association. "The current storage infrastructure is inadequate, and we fear that if the deadline is not extended, we may face penalties."
Impact on Food Security
The delay in deliveries has raised concerns about the state's food security, as the rice is meant for the public distribution system and other welfare schemes. FCI officials have stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and have urged millers to expedite deliveries. "We are in constant touch with the millers and are exploring all options to ensure that the rice reaches the godowns at the earliest," said Saurabh Gupta, an FCI spokesperson.
Storage and Infrastructure Issues
The storage crunch is not new in Haryana, which is a major rice-producing state. The FCI has a storage capacity of about 20 LMT in the state, but during peak procurement seasons, the demand exceeds supply. Temporary storage facilities, including cover and plinth (CAP) storage, are often used, but they are not always weather-proof. Millers have also pointed out that the quality of rice deteriorates if stored improperly, leading to rejections by the FCI.
"We have invested heavily in modern mills, but the government must also improve its storage infrastructure to avoid such crises every year," added Raj Kumar Gupta.
Government Response
The Haryana government has acknowledged the issue and is considering a short extension. A senior official in the Food and Supplies Department said that a decision would be taken soon after reviewing the progress. Meanwhile, the FCI has started penalizing millers who have not met their targets, with a penalty of Rs 5 per quintal per month for delayed deliveries.
"We are committed to ensuring that the public distribution system is not affected. We will take necessary action against defaulters while also considering genuine grievances," the official said.
