Bharat rice at Rs 25 per kg: To counter the soaring double-digit inflation in rice, a government official has said that there are plans to introduce Bharat-branded rice at Rs 25 per kilogram.
According to an ET report, this rice will be available for sale through outlets managed by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed), National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), and Kendriya Bhandar.
The government has already been marketing atta and pulses under this brand. In November, cereal prices surged to 10.27%, propelling food inflation to 8.70% from the previous month’s 6.61%. This hike significantly influences nearly half of the overall consumer price basket.
While measures to curb rising wheat prices have been effective by enhancing the quantity released in the open market through e-auctions by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), rice uptake has remained minimal.
Such high inflation in a staple cereal could pose challenges for the government, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
To boost rice sales, the FCI recently adjusted its Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) rules, relaxing bidding constraints. Bidders are now allowed to bid for a minimum quantity of 1 metric ton and a maximum of 2000 metric tons, aiming to increase the grain’s market supply.
Recently, the government launched ‘Bharat Atta’, a subsidized wheat flour priced at Rs 27.50 per kg, available through NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar outlets. The central government also introduced ‘Bharat Dal’ retail packs of chana dal in July, priced at Rs 60 per kg for a 1 kg pack. This initiative aims to offer pulses at subsidized rates, ensuring accessibility for consumers.
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Like Bharat Atta, ‘Bharat Dal’ is also available through various retail outlets such as NAFED, NCCF), Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal, broadening its reach to the public.
