Amid Retail Price Surge, Centre Launches 'Bharat Rice' At Subsidised Rates: Here's All You Need To Know

The government introduced 'Bharat rice' on Tuesday (7 February), offering it at a subsidised rate of Rs 29 per kg to alleviate concerns amidst a 15 per cent surge in retail rice prices over the past year.

This subsidised rice will be made available in 5 kg and 10 kg packs.

In response to a lacklustre reception for rice sales to bulk users at the same rate through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), the government has opted for the retail sale of FCI rice.

To counter inflationary pressures in the food sector, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has decided to initiate retail sales of ‘Bharat Rice’ to the general public.

In the initial phase, 5 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of rice has been allocated for retail sale under the ‘Bharat Rice’ brand through three agencies, namely NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar.

Despite a successful Kharif crop, sufficient stocks with FCI, and existing regulations on rice exports, domestic rice prices have been on the rise.

Initially, Bharat Rice will be accessible for purchase from mobile vans and physical outlets of the three central cooperative agencies. Additionally, it will soon be made available through other retail chains, including e-commerce platforms.

Last November, the government also officially launched the sale of subsidised wheat under the brand name "Bharat Atta".

This wheat is being sold through cooperatives NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar via 800 mobile vans and over 2,000 outlets nationwide. Alongside wheat, Bharat Dal is also being provided at Rs 60 per kg and onion at Rs 25 per kg through Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF to ease the burden on consumers.