The government has directed traders to disclose rice stock to control this staple foodgrain’s prices.
At a press conference, Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said retail and wholesale prices of rice have increased by around 15% in the last one year despite restrictions on exports of various varieties.
To control prices, he said the government has decided to sell subsidised ‘Bharat Rice’ at Rs 29 per kg in the retail market through two cooperatives the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd (NCCF) as well as retail chain Kendriya Bhandar. E-commerce platforms will also sell Bharat Rice.
The Food Secretary said that Bharat Rice will be available in the market from next week in 5kg and 10kg packs.
He said that the government has no plans to lift restrictions on rice exports any time soon. The restrictions will continue until prices fall, he added.
Chopra said the ministry is issuing orders, directing retailers, wholesalers and processors to disclose rice stock on its portal every Friday.
