From A Reduction In Paddy Production To Disputes Choking FRK Supply To Punjab Rice Millers, Here Are Today’s Top Rice News

By Megha Bajaj

Reduction in Paddy Production puts rice self-reliance at risk

Notably, Rice is a critical crop for Nepal’s food security. According to the latest updates, Nepal’s paddy production plummeted by 4.2 per cent in FY2025/26 to 5.7 million tonnes, whereas productivity reduced by 1.16 per cent. The area under rice cultivation also reduced by 3.8 per cent. Notably, unfavourable weather, particularly drought in Madhes Province. Not only this, but reduced farming area due to migration and urbanisation were the significant reasons behind this situation. Ultimately, the drop has increased the rice deficit. The Household Consumption Survey by the National Statistics Office shows that average annual per capita rice consumption is 131 kg. With a population of nearly 30 million, the country requires at least 4 million tonnes of rice for domestic consumption, leaving a deficit of around 500,000 tonnes. Now, to bridge this gap, the country spends billions of rupees importing paddy and rice. Consequently, it forces Nepal to depend on imports despite efforts to strengthen domestic production.

Bulog Assures 62,820 tons of rice stock in Aceh Ahead of Ramadan And Eid

Perum Bulog Aceh office has ensured that food stocks, especially rice stocks, are in a proper and safe condition ahead of the Meganag tradition, Ramadan, and Eid al Fitr. Currently, Bulog sustains 62, 820 tons of government rice reserves across Aceh along with 191, 428 litres of cooking oil. President Director of Perum Bulog Ahmad Rizai Ramdhani stated that these ample reserves support price stability, disaster reponse and food assistance. Rice distribution aid and disaster reserves is progressing well, with realization in various regions nearly 100%. Moreover, additional rice shipments are planned to boost stocks in highland areas and support cross-regional needs, making sure stable supply, smooth distribution and price stability throughout Aceh during the festive period.

Centre Agrees to do Rice Procurement of eight lakh tonnes From Odisha: CM Majhi

In the significant move to combat the situation of protests over alleged mismanagement in Paddy procurement in Odisha, the State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that his government is making arrangements to purchase crop from farmers, as the Centre has agreed to lift eight lakh tonnes of rice. Moreover, he addressed the programme in the Kalahandi district headquarters, Bhawanipatra, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, evening. Not only this, but he also rolled out the development projects worth more than Rs 891 crore to boost irrigation facilities in the drought-prone areas of the region. Furthermore, he stated that the state government has plans to implement the Utei Rawal irrigation project at an investment of Rs 3,325 crore, adding that the work will commence soon after the central government’s approval. Additionally, he announced that the area between Kalahandi and Nabarangpur will be converted into a cotton production cluster.

Price Dispute Chokes Fortified Rice Kernels Supply To Punjab Rice Millers

The low price of fortified rice kernels (FRK) in Punjab, supplied by manufacturers to rice millers, has sparked a massive concern among both manufacturers and millers, with suppliers reluctant to release stocks, citing price disparitieswith other states such as Haryana. Notably, FRK is an essential component of the rice fortification programme, and rice millers are required to blend it with custom-milled rice (CMR) before supplying it to the national pool. However, the current situation has forced several rice millers to pay well above the approved bid price to secure FRK supplies. Interestingly, Punjab procured over 156 lakh metric tonnes of Paddy for the current cycle, which was allotted to rice millers for custom milling. Rice Millers are required to supply 105 lakh metric tonnes of rice in the national pool, for which they collectively need 1.05 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels. With FRK supplies falling short, rice delivery to the national pool has remained low.