Chandigarh, Dec. 7 -- The central government's new instructions regarding the production and supply of FRK (Fortified Rice Kernel) rice have raised the hackles of Punjab rice shellers.

According to the new orders, FRK manufacturing units will first have to produce and stack the fortified rice. Only after the food ministry team collects samples in their presence and the test reports are found to be correct, can this FRK rice be procured by the Food Corporation of India for the public distribution system.

Fortified rice is enriched with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.

The Centre has also clarified through an official letter that this year, out of the 104 lakh tonnes of rice to be generated...