Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob has said that Supplyco has been conditionally granted special permission to enter into agreements with rice mills that had entered into contracts in the previous season, but could not complete milling within the stipulated time.

The decision was taken considering the necessity to commence rice procurement for this year’s Kharif season on time. The move would put an end to the concerns surrounding rice procurement, the Minister said in a statement.

Central govt. nod

The permission to extend the milling period will be subject to the approval of the Central government. As the deadline for completing milling of paddy from the 2025-26 Kharif season ended on July 31, the Centre has been requested to extend the deadline until October 31. For milling paddy from the 2025-26 Rabi season, the Centre has granted time until January 31, 2027.

Before entering into agreements, Supplyco officials will inspect and assess the stock of paddy available at each mill that had procured paddy during the previous season. The mill owner must submit an affidavit to Supplyco, stating that the remaining paddy and related liabilities from the previous season have been accurately accounted for, that milling will be completed within the stipulated period, and that the rice will be delivered to Supplyco.