Thrissur: The central government’s initiative to introduce Bharat rice at a subsidised rate of Rs. 29 per kilogram has garnered attention in Kerala, with plans to open 200 outlets across the state for its distribution. The distribution of the rice is initiated by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), and Kendriya Bhandar outlets.
Available in 5 and 10-kilogram packets, Bharat rice can be purchased without the requirement of a ration card, with individuals allowed to buy up to 10 kilograms at a time. Furthermore, efforts are underway to extend the distribution to more districts in the near future.
NCCF is set to establish 200 outlets in Kerala, with sales facilitated through registered societies and private entrepreneurs. Additionally, the option for online purchases will be made available to consumers.
This initiative emerges amidst the looming threat of Supplyco’s closure, which had previously been a source of relief for the common people in Kerala, offering rice at a subsidised rate of Rs. 25 per kilogram.
The halt in Supplyco operations for the last five months occurred because the state government failed to pay the subsidy amount, impacting the accessibility of rice at an affordable price for Keralites. With the average price of rice in the country standing at Rs. 43.5 per kilogram, the introduction of Bharat rice at Rs. 29 per kilogram by the central government is seen as a significant measure to alleviate the burden on consumers.
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