Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Phase-II of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice Retail Sale Initiative

New Delhi: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, launched Phase-II of the retail sale of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice today by flagging off mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandar. Minister of State B.L. Verma was also present at the launch event, marking the government’s continued commitment to providing essential food items at subsidized prices to the public.

During Phase-II, Bharat Atta will be sold at a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs.30 per kg, while Bharat Rice will be available at Rs.34 per kg. Speaking to the media, Joshi emphasized that this initiative reaffirms the government’s dedication to ensuring affordable and accessible food essentials. He highlighted that the retail sale of Bharat-brand staples, including rice, atta, and dal, has contributed to price stability, benefiting consumers nationwide.

Phase-II will initially see the distribution of 3.69 lakh metric tons (LMT) of wheat and 2.91 LMT of rice. In the earlier Phase-I, 15.20 LMT of Bharat Atta and 14.58 LMT of Bharat Rice were sold to consumers at reduced rates. The products will continue to be available at Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, NCCF outlets, as well as through mobile vans and select e-commerce and retail platforms. Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice will be sold in 5 kg and 10 kg bags.

In addition to launching Phase-II of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice, Joshi provided an update on the ongoing paddy procurement in Punjab. The government is targeting a procurement estimate of 184 LMT of paddy for the current season in Punjab. As of November 4, 2024, a total of 104.63 LMT of paddy has arrived in Punjab mandis, with 98.42 LMT procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Paddy is being purchased at a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs. 2320 per quintal for Grade ‘A’ paddy, amounting to Rs. 20,557 crores, which has been credited to the bank accounts of approximately 5.38 lakh farmers.