Supplyco granted permission to renew agreements with rice mills, says Kerala minister

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said Supplyco was given conditional special permission to enter into agreements with rice mills that had signed contracts in the previous season but could not complete milling within the stipulated time.

The decision was taken in view of the need to start procurement of rice for this year’s Kharif season on time. The move would put an end to concerns over rice procurement, the minister said in a statement.

Central Govt. nod

Permission to extend the milling period will be subject to the approval of the Central Government. As the deadline for completion of paddy milling in the 2025-26 Kharif season ended on July 31, the Center was requested to extend the deadline till October 31. The Center has given time till January 31, 2027 for milling rice from 2025-26 Rabi season.

Before contracts are awarded, Supplyco officials will check and assess the rice stocks available at each mill that purchased rice during the previous season. The mill owner must submit an affidavit to Supplyco stating that the remaining paddy rice and related liabilities from the previous season have been accurately accounted for, that milling will be completed within the specified period, and that the rice will be delivered to Supplyco.

Published – 06 Oct 2026 21:26 IST