New Delhi: In a significant move towards ensuring the availability of essential commodities at affordable rates, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the retail sale of ‘Bharat’ Rice and flagged off 100 mobile vans today. The event marked a crucial step in the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and consumers across the country.
During the launch, Shri Goyal emphasized Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s sensitivity towards the needs of the people. He highlighted the government’s efforts in keeping essential commodity prices in check under the watchful eye of Prime Minister Modi.
The ‘Bharat’ Rice, available in family-friendly 5 Kg and 10 Kg bags, will be sold at a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 29/kg. The initiative is expected to increase supplies in the market, ensuring the continued moderation of rice prices, a staple food item for many households.
The sale of ‘Bharat’ Rice will be facilitated through outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF). Initially available at physical and mobile outlets, the product will soon be expanded to other retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.
Shri Goyal also highlighted the ongoing sale of ‘Bharat’ Atta and ‘Bharat’ Dal by these agencies, offering consumers a range of essential food items at fair and affordable prices. ‘Bharat’ Atta is currently sold at Rs. 27.50 per Kg in 5 Kg and 10 Kg packs, while ‘Bharat’ Dal (chana dal) is available at Rs. 60 per kg for a 1kg pack and Rs. 55 per kg for a 30 kg pack.
The Union Minister shared that the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers is evident through initiatives like the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for food grains, pulses, coarse grains, and millets. The Price Support Scheme (PSS) ensures the benefits of MSP reach farmers through nationwide procurement operations.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), over 80 crore beneficiaries, including farmers, general consumers, school children, and others, receive benefits through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The government has extended PMGKAY for an additional five years, reaffirming its commitment to food and nutrition security.
To address the volatility in edible oil prices, the government has implemented various measures, including reducing import duties and extending the free import of refined palm oils. The efforts have resulted in a decrease in retail prices of refined sunflower oil, soybean oil, and RBD Palmolien by significant percentages.
Additionally, the government is actively monitoring the prices of 22 essential food commodities through 550 price monitoring centers across states and Union Territories. The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) plays a crucial role in mitigating hardships faced by consumers and farmers, maintaining buffer stocks of pulses and onions to ensure stability in prices.
The continuous efforts by the government reflect its unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers, PDS beneficiaries, and ordinary consumers, ensuring fair prices and adequate supplies of essential commodities.