<h1>Extension of delivery period: rice delivery and bonus eligibility deadlines moved later, with earlier commencement of paddy procurement.</h1> Extension of the rice delivery and bonus eligibility periods from March 15 to June 30 accommodates delayed central off take, reducing millers' holding charge exposure and adjusting the timeframe for rice delivery for procurement. Concurrently, state paddy procurement is advanced to commence earlier than previously scheduled, aligning procurement timing with stated farmer protection objectives and continuity of the minimum support price framework.