The Indian government has taken a significant step to alleviate the burden of rising rice prices by launching ‘Bharat Rice’ at a subsidized rate of ₹29 per kilogram. This initiative comes amidst a 15% surge in retail prices of rice last year, aiming to provide relief to consumers grappling with escalating food costs.
Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential food items at affordable rates for all segments of society. He emphasized the importance of retail intervention through initiatives like the ‘Bharat’ brand to address the concerns of middle-class consumers and the economically disadvantaged.
Through the ‘Bharat’ brand, the government has already initiated subsidized retailing of wheat and chickpea, in addition to rice, to mitigate the impact of rising food prices. Goyal highlighted the success of previous interventions, citing the rapid reduction in prices of commodities like tomato and onion, demonstrating the effectiveness of government measures in stabilizing food costs.
The launch of ‘Bharat Rice’ marks another milestone in the government’s efforts to combat food inflation. With plans to distribute the subsidized rice through 100 mobile vans across the country, the initiative aims to enhance accessibility and affordability for consumers nationwide. Additionally, the rice will be made available through e-commerce platforms, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) will play a crucial role in providing the initial stock of rice to distribution agencies like the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (Nafed), National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), and Kendriya Bhandar. This collaboration underscores the concerted efforts of various government bodies to ensure the success of the ‘Bharat’ brand initiative.
By leveraging the success of previous initiatives like ‘Bharat Atta’ and ‘Bharat Chana,’ which have garnered positive responses from consumers, the government is optimistic about the reception of ‘Bharat Rice.’ With plans to expand the retail network to nearly 18,000 outlets, including mobile vans and e-commerce platforms, the government aims to reach a wider consumer base and alleviate the impact of rising food prices.
Minister Goyal also shared his personal endorsement of ‘Bharat’ brand products, attesting to their quality and taste. His endorsement reflects the government’s confidence in the quality and affordability of subsidized food items under the ‘Bharat’ brand.
As concerns over food inflation persist, the government’s proactive measures, including the introduction of ‘Bharat Rice,’ signal a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by consumers. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, the government remains committed to ensuring the well-being of citizens and stabilizing food prices in the face of economic uncertainties.