In an effort to curb rising prices, the Union government has launched the second phase of retail sales for Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice.
Flagging off mobile vans for the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), and Kendriya Bhandar, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi noted that these temporary market interventions are made during periods of high prices. He highlighted that the current retail price of rice is ₹43 per kg.
Under Phase II, Bharat Atta will be sold at a maximum retail price (MRP) of ₹30 per kg, and Bharat Rice at an MRP of ₹34 per kg. These products will be available in 5 kg and 10 kg bags at stores and mobile vans operated by Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF, as well as through e-commerce and major retail chains.
Providing an update on paddy procurement in Punjab, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to procure 184 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of rice in the state, including every grain brought to mandis by farmers.
As of November 4, 2024, 104.63 LMT of paddy had arrived at Punjab’s mandis, of which 98.42 LMT had been procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Grade ‘A’ paddy is being purchased by the Union government at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,320 per quintal.
The total paddy procured by the government so far in the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 amounts to ₹20,557 crore, benefiting approximately 5.38 lakh farmers.
While the minister stated that details regarding possible delays in wheat sowing are not yet available, he added that multiple central ministries are coordinating efforts to curb crop stubble burning.
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