Bharat rice: The government has introduced ‘Bharat rice‘ at Rs 29/kg, a subsidised price, to help with the 15% increase in retail rice prices over the past year. It will come in 5 kg and 10 kg packs. The introduction of ‘Bharat’ Rice for retail sale aims to boost market supplies at reasonable prices, aiding in the ongoing effort to keep prices stable for this important food staple. Here are all the key details you need to know:
According to the PIB release, Food Minister Piyush Goyal officially launched the sale of ‘Bharat’ Rice and inaugurated the mobile vans on Tuesday. The government opted for retail sale of FCI rice after a lukewarm response to selling rice to bulk buyers at the same rate via the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).
What is Bharat rice?
To address rising food prices, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has initiated the retail sale of ‘Bharat Rice’ to the public. Initially, 5 LMT of rice will be sold under this brand through three agencies: NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar.
Despite favourable crop yields and sufficient stocks with FCI, domestic rice prices continue to rise, necessitating this action despite existing regulations on rice exports.
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Where can you purchase Bharat rice?
Initially, Bharat Rice will be accessible for purchase through Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF outlets, including mobile vans. Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched 100 mobile vans to make ‘Bharat’ Rice more accessible to consumers. Subsequently, it will also be made available through various retail chains, including e-commerce platforms, in the near future.
What other items can you also buy at a discounted price?
Alongside Bharat Rice, the government is offering other subsidised goods. Last November, it introduced subsidised wheat called “Bharat Atta,” available through cooperatives like NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. This initiative uses 800 mobile vans and over 2,000 outlets nationwide. Additionally, Bharat Dal is provided at Rs 60 per kg and onions at Rs 25 per kg through these cooperative channels, providing further relief to consumers.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a wide range of people, including farmers, general consumers, and over 80 crore beneficiaries through the Targeted Public Distribution System (PDS), as well as vulnerable groups like school children and those in hostels, receive support.
Wheat and rice obtained through PMGKAY are given free through a network of around 5.38 lakh Fair Price Shops across India to about 80.7 crore PDS beneficiaries. PMGKAY has been extended for another 5 years until 31.12.2028, ensuring the continuation of one of the world’s largest food and nutrition security programs.
Additionally, around 7.37 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) of coarse grains/millets were procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and distributed through TPDS/Other Welfare Schemes in the fiscal year 22-23. In the current year, procurement of about 6.34 LMT of coarse grains/millets is still ongoing.





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