The government launched 'Bharat rice' on Tuesday at a subsidised rate of ₹29 per kilogram to alleviate the impact of a 15 percent rise in retail prices of the grain over the past year. Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, during the launch, stated that the government is committed to ensuring that daily food items remain affordable for the common people.
Goyal mentioned that retail intervention under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) was initiated when wholesale interventions were not benefiting a larger population. As part of this retail intervention, 'Bharat rice' will be retailed at ₹29 per kg under the 'Bharat brand' to provide relief to the middle class and the poor. Each kilogram of 'Bharat rice' will contain 5 percent broken rice.
The minister highlighted the positive impact of government efforts on reducing the prices of tomatoes and onions. Goyal expressed confidence that the introduction of 'Bharat rice' would replicate the success seen with 'Bharat atta,' where wheat inflation has been zero in the last six months.
He emphasized the government's proactive approach in stabilizing the prices of commodities in the middle-class households' thalis (plates). Goyal flagged off 100 mobile vans that will sell 'Bharat rice' and distributed 5 kg packs to five beneficiaries.
In the first phase, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will provide 5 lakh tonnes of rice to cooperatives like the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF), and retail chain Kendriya Bhandar. These agencies will then pack the rice in 5 kg and 10 kg packs, retailing them under the 'Bharat' brand through outlets and e-commerce platforms.
The government opted for retail sale of FCI rice after facing a lukewarm response for bulk sales through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). The success of 'Bharat atta' and 'Bharat chana' at affordable rates has encouraged the government to expect a positive response to 'Bharat rice' as well.
Goyal, sharing his personal experience, mentioned using 'Bharat dal' and 'Bharat atta,' expressing satisfaction with their quality. Despite efforts to control rice prices through measures like export restrictions, the government is still grappling with rising retail prices. Goyal stated that the government has urged retailers, wholesalers, processors, and large retail chains to disclose their stocks to prevent hoarding.
Ministers of State for Consumer Affairs Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and Ashwini Choubey, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh, and Food Corporation of India (FCI) CMD Ashok K Meena were among those present at the event to launch 'Bharat rice.'
First Published: Feb 6, 2024 10:56 AM IST
