Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar Welcomes Fortified Rice Decision

February 28, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Saturday expressed happiness over the Centre’s decision to accept a key demand of Punjab’s rice milling industry regarding fortified rice. He said the approval by the Union government would provide a major boost not only to the state’s sheller (rice milling) industry but also indirectly benefit Punjab’s agriculture sector.

Jakhar stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi has accepted the long-pending demand related to fortified rice. The move, he said, reflects the Centre’s commitment to strengthening value addition in agriculture and supporting agro-based industries in Punjab.

Boost for Sheller Industry and Agriculture

According to Jakhar, the decision is expected to significantly benefit Punjab’s sheller industry, which plays a crucial role in processing paddy procured from farmers. He noted that when value addition industries such as rice milling receive policy support, the ultimate beneficiaries are farmers.

“Whenever the agro-processing sector grows, the benefits flow back to the agriculture sector. This strengthens the rural economy and ensures better returns for farmers,” Jakhar said.

Fortified rice — enriched with essential micronutrients is part of the Centre’s broader strategy to address nutritional deficiencies while maintaining robust procurement and distribution systems. Punjab, being one of the leading contributors to the central food grain pool, has a major stake in policies affecting rice processing and supply.

Industry representatives had reportedly sought clarity and support from the Centre to ensure smooth implementation of fortified rice norms without causing disruption to millers. The approval is being seen as a positive step toward balancing public health goals with industry viability.

Appeal for Arhtiya Community’s Demands

Jakhar further revealed that along with the fortified rice issue, he and other leaders had met Union Minister Prahlad Joshi to raise concerns related to Punjab’s arhtiya (commission agent) community. The arhtiyas form a vital link between farmers and government procurement agencies in the mandi system.

He said a formal appeal was made to the union minister to address the pending demands of the commission agents, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring smooth procurement operations in the state.

“We are hopeful that just as the fortified rice demand of the sheller industry has been accepted, the legitimate demands of the arhtiya community will also be approved soon,” Jakhar added.

Political and Economic Significance

The development comes at a time when agricultural policies and procurement systems remain politically sensitive issues in Punjab. By highlighting the Centre’s responsiveness, the Punjab BJP leadership aims to underscore its engagement with stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain.

Punjab’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and allied industries. Any policy decision that strengthens processing units and market intermediaries is likely to have a cascading effect on rural employment and farm incomes.

Observers note that fortified rice implementation is part of a national mission to improve nutritional standards through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes. For Punjab, ensuring that local millers remain competitive and compliant is essential for maintaining its dominant position in rice procurement.

Jakhar concluded by reiterating confidence in the Union government’s approach, expressing optimism that continued dialogue between the Centre and state stakeholders will result in further positive outcomes for Punjab’s farmers and allied sectors.