Patna: The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has given Bihar an extended window to complete the supply of custom milled rice (CMR) under the Kharif marketing year 2024-25. The date, which was earlier fixed as August 10, has now been pushed to September 14 after a request from the state government.
Cooperation minister Dr Prem Kumar welcomed the move and said it would give much-needed relief to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Vyapar Mandals across the state. He noted that several of these bodies had been struggling to complete their supply by the earlier deadline, and this decision would ensure that their efforts do not go in vain. According to him, the step shows that the Centre’s priorities are in tune with Bihar’s needs.
Data shows that in the 2024-25 Kharif season, PACS and Vyapar Mandals procured 39.22 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers. Out of this, 26.61 lakh metric tonnes of rice was to be delivered to the State Food Corporation. While most of the work was done on time with 26.01 lakh metric tonnes already supplied, about 60,000 tonnes were left pending. This involved around 900 committees which were at risk of being labelled defaulters.
The delay also created concern for cooperative banks, with around Rs 200 crore caught up in the process. Officials said that the new date provides a lifeline to the committees and prevents heavy financial losses. The cooperation department has directed all districts to make sure the remaining stock is delivered before September 14 so that Bihar can achieve 100% completion of CMR supply.
