Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Fortified Rice Manufacturers Challenge Punjab Policy Changes
Some companies that make fortified rice in Punjab are upset because the government changed the rules after they had already agreed to supply rice.
They say the new rules are unfair and make it hard for them to do their jobs.
They went to court to ask for the old rules to be put back in place.
The government says they are trying to make the system more fair and clear.
Rice millers also have problems with the new rules and say the price they pay for fortified rice is too low compared to other places in India.
Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) manufacturers in Punjab filed a petition challenging changes in the state's fortified rice supply policy.
They allege that the changes, introduced through letters dated December 15, 2025, and January 13, 2026, are arbitrary and violate the original tender conditions.
The manufacturers claim the new rules disrupt production planning and cause financial distress.
Rice millers also express dissatisfaction, citing lack of transparency and lower FRK rates in Punjab compared to the rest of India.
The Punjab government proposes a new, transparent, portal-based system to address these issues.
- Who
- Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) manufacturers in Punjab
- What
- Filed a petition challenging changes in Punjab’s fortified rice supply policy
- When
- December 15, 2025, and January 13, 2026
- Where
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Why
- Alleged arbitrary and unconstitutional changes in supply policy
- Petitioners
- Punjab-based Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) manufacturers
- Target
- 124 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice for KMS 2025–26
- Uniform Rate
- Rs 3,948 per quintal
- FRK Manufacturers in Punjab
- Around 125
- All-India FRK Rates
- Rs 5,800 to Rs 6,200 per quintal
- Punjab FRK Rate
- Rs 3,980 per quintal
- Punjab's FRK Requirement
- 1.05 lakh tonnes
- Proposed System
- Transparent, portal-based priority system