Haryana: Millers flag shortage of rice kernels, seek fresh tender
By Parveen Arora
Rice millers and dealers across Haryana have objected to the limited number of authorised suppliers for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), alleging that the arrangement is disrupting Custom-Milled Rice (CMR) delivery and encouraging black marketing.
Under the CMR policy, millers must blend 1% FRK in rice before delivering 67% of the allotted paddy to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). However, millers claimed that only four FRK suppliers have been authorised to cater to nearly 1,400 rice mills in the state.
Raising the issue at a meeting in Karnal on Thursday, the millers demanded that the government cancel the existing tender and float a fresh one, alleging higher FRK rates in Haryana compared to Punjab.
Hans Raj Singla, president of the Haryana Rice Millers and Dealers Association, said the state’s total FRK requirement was around 30,000 metric tonnes, but only four suppliers had been assigned the task. “It is not possible for four suppliers to meet such a huge demand,” he said.
He added that during a February 10 meeting with Anshaj Singh, Director General of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Chandigarh, millers were assured that 20% of the FRK supply would be made available by February 28. “The supply is negligible and not enough to start proper delivery of CMR,” he alleged, adding that black marketing was taking place and some millers were being pressured.
“We are under pressure to ensure the delivery of CMR, but due to shortage of FRK, we are not able to do so. We request the government to cancel the tender and float a fresh tender for assignment of FRK supplies, so that more suppliers could come forward to provide FRK easily,” said Singla.
Jewel Singla, chairman of the association, said FRK was being supplied in Punjab at Rs 40-49 per kg, while in Haryana the rate was around Rs 57 per kg. “There should be open purchase so that prices remain fair and transparent, so we request to re-float a fresh tender,” he demanded.
Vijay Jain, joint secretary, warned that delays in FRK supply could cause financial losses to millers and the state government, especially as many had procured high-moisture paddy that could deteriorate if milling was delayed. He said the Director General had assured that centrally approved FRK stocks would be distributed through District Food and Supplies Controllers (DFSCs) for transparency, but alleged that instructions were not being followed.
Vinod Goel, former president of the Karnal Rice Millers and Dealers Association, noted that Punjab had authorised 109 FRK suppliers. “The Haryana Government should increase the number of suppliers without delay,” he said.
Makhan Lal Singla, general secretary, said many mills had yet to start CMR delivery. “Without FRK, it is impossible to meet these targets,” he said, referring to the phased delivery schedule extending till June-end.
Deepak Singla of the Ladwa association and Naresh Bansal of the Taraori Rice Millers Association also urged the government to intervene immediately to prevent disruption and further losses.
This article has been republished from The TRibune.