The Union government on February 6 rolled out ‘Bharat rice’ at a subsidised rate of INR 29 per kilogram (kg) to provide relief to consumers from rising food prices. The subsidised rice will be available for consumption in 5 kg and 10 kg packs.
According to an official statement, Bharat rice will be stocked at all Kendriya Bhandar’s physical and mobile outlets, as well as those of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) starting February 6. The availability will later extend to additional retail stores and e-commerce platforms.
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During the launch of subsidized rice, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s responsiveness to the nation. Goyal highlighted Modi’s vigilance in regulating the prices of essential commodities, ensuring they remain affordable for all.
Goyal also launched 100 mobile vans dedicated to selling Bharat rice.
Prior to the introduction of Bharat rice, the government rolled out Bharat atta, available in 5 kg and 10 kg packs at INR 27.50 per kg. Additionally, Bharat dal (chana dal) is being marketed at INR 60 per kg.
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The Union minister said that the government of India is committed towards the welfare of farmers as well as the people of the country. The Union government purchases essential commodities from farmers and sells them to consumers at subsidized rates whenever in need.
Despite restrictions on exports and a bumper production in 2023-24, retail prices of rice are still not under control.
The government has asked retailers, wholesalers, processors, and large retail chains to reveal their stocks in order 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, among others, were present at the event to launch the rice.
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