Indian Government Launches 'Bharat Rice' at ₹29/kg to Counter Retail Price Surge

The Indian government takes proactive steps to combat the 15% rise in retail rice prices with the launch of 'Bharat Rice' at a subsidized rate of ₹29 per kilogram. The initiative aims to ensure the affordability of daily food items for the common people, reflecting the government's commitment to price stabilization.

Key Features of the Bharat Rice Initiative:

• Subsidized Price: Each kilogram of "Bharat Rice" will be sold at ₹29, significantly lower than the prevailing market rates.

• Quality Assurance: The rice will be packaged under the "Bharat" brand, ensuring consistency and quality standards.

• Wide Distribution: The rice will be available in 5 kg and 10 kg packs through cooperatives, retail chains, and e-commerce platforms like Kendriya Bhandar and NAFED.

• Initial Phase: In the first phase, 5 lakh tonnes of rice will be provided by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

• Building on Success: Inspired by the positive response to "Bharat Atta" and "Bharat Chana," the government expects a similar positive impact from "Bharat Rice."

Ministerial Insights and Commitment

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal underscores the government's commitment to keeping essential food items within the reach of the middle class and the poor. He reveals that retail intervention through the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) becomes imperative when wholesale interventions prove insufficient.

'Bharat Rice' Features and Affordability

'Bharat Rice' will be retailed under the 'Bharat brand' at ₹29 per kg, with each kilogram containing 5% broken rice. This move is designed to provide relief to consumers, particularly the middle class and the economically disadvantaged. The government's commitment to affordability is further demonstrated by the successful introduction of 'Bharat Atta.'

Initial Implementation and Future Outlook:

• Mobile Van Distribution: 100 mobile vans flagged off to sell "Bharat Rice" directly to consumers.

• Collaboration: Cooperatives like NAFED and NCCF, along with Kendriya Bhandar, involved in distribution.

• Positive Expectations: Government hopes to replicate the success of "Bharat Atta," which achieved zero wheat inflation in six months.

• Personal Experience: Minister Goyal mentioned using and being satisfied with "Bharat Dal" and "Bharat Atta."

• Ongoing Efforts: Government urging retailers, wholesalers, and processors to disclose stocks to prevent hoarding.

Distribution Strategy and Positive Expectations

To kickstart the initiative, Food Corporation of India (FCI) plans to supply 5 lakh tonnes of rice to cooperatives, including NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. These agencies will pack the rice in 5 kg and 10 kg packs, retailing them under the 'Bharat' brand through various outlets and e-commerce platforms. The success of previous initiatives like 'Bharat Atta' and 'Bharat Chana' fuels the government's optimism regarding a positive response to 'Bharat Rice.'

Urging Transparency and Hoarding Prevention

Minister Piyush Goyal urges stakeholders, including retailers, wholesalers, processors, and large retail chains, to disclose their stocks to prevent hoarding. Despite measures like export restrictions, the government remains committed to addressing rising retail rice prices.

Dignitaries Present at the Launch

The launch event witnesses the presence of notable figures, including Ministers of State for Consumer Affairs Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and Ashwini Choubey, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh, and FCI CMD Ashok K Meena, showcasing the significance of the 'Bharat Rice' initiative.