NEW DELHI: As prices of rice continue to be a concern, government will take a call on selling packaged rice in retail market at a subsidised rate under the brand ‘Bharat‘ in the next one week.
“We are working on the plan and will take a call on its roll out and the price next week. We may offer this rice in 10 kg bags. This can be made available in government cooperative outlets and other retail outlets,” a top government official told TOI on the sidelines of the 60th foundation day celebration of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Officials added that it will be ensured that the subsidised foodgrain reaches the customers and doesn’t come back to the market to be re-sold at higher prices. The domestic prices of rice are at elevated levels despite a record output, huge surplus stocks with FCI and restrictions and duties imposed on export of the cereal. Retail rice prices rose by 12.3% in December despite the government’s attempt to sell surplus rice in the open market from the FCI stock.
Moreover, there has been lukewarm response to open market sale of surplus rice of FCI to to bulk buyers.
Currently, the government is selling chana dal and atta (flour) at subsidised rates of Rs 60/kg and Rs 27.5/kg through Nafed, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandars stores under the brand name of Bharat Dal and Bharat Atta.
Meanwhile, food and commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that the FCI’s open market sale scheme has proved to be an effective tool in moderating the prices of wheat and rice. Addressing the FCI event virtually, he urged the organisation to adopt technology and digitisation to improve operational efficiency. “We should adopt technology and digitisation to improve operational efficiency and the amount we are spending,” Goyal said.
“We are working on the plan and will take a call on its roll out and the price next week. We may offer this rice in 10 kg bags. This can be made available in government cooperative outlets and other retail outlets,” a top government official told TOI on the sidelines of the 60th foundation day celebration of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Officials added that it will be ensured that the subsidised foodgrain reaches the customers and doesn’t come back to the market to be re-sold at higher prices. The domestic prices of rice are at elevated levels despite a record output, huge surplus stocks with FCI and restrictions and duties imposed on export of the cereal. Retail rice prices rose by 12.3% in December despite the government’s attempt to sell surplus rice in the open market from the FCI stock.
Moreover, there has been lukewarm response to open market sale of surplus rice of FCI to to bulk buyers.
Currently, the government is selling chana dal and atta (flour) at subsidised rates of Rs 60/kg and Rs 27.5/kg through Nafed, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandars stores under the brand name of Bharat Dal and Bharat Atta.
Meanwhile, food and commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that the FCI’s open market sale scheme has proved to be an effective tool in moderating the prices of wheat and rice. Addressing the FCI event virtually, he urged the organisation to adopt technology and digitisation to improve operational efficiency. “We should adopt technology and digitisation to improve operational efficiency and the amount we are spending,” Goyal said.
