Acting tough on erring millers for failing to return custom milling rice (CMR) on time, the state government suspended supply of paddy to 81 millers. Talking to the media at the Secretariat here, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Surya Narayan Patro said supply of paddy to these millers have been stopped as they failed to return the rice, against the paddy stock allotted to them previously. “They were supposed to return the milled rice against the paddy stock within the agreed deadline of two months from the date of receiving the paddy. The minister further said that state government has directed the collectors to crack down on procurement agencies and millers who are returning less rice on the pretext of FAQ. A large quantity of rice has also been seized in Malkangiri and other districts during raids at millers’ premises. Meanwhile, despite reports of crop loss due to drought, unseasonal rain and pest attacks, state government is expecting a bumper paddy production this season.