Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice’s Phase-II Retail Sale Launched; Priced at Rs.30 and Rs.34 per kg Respectively

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated Phase-II of the retail distribution initiative for Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice. Joined by Minister of State B.L. Verma, Joshi flagged off mobile vans from the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), and Kendriya Bhandar to further reach consumers across various locations.

During this phase, Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice are priced at an affordable MRP of Rs.30 per kg and Rs.34 per kg, respectively. Addressing the media, Joshi emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring essential food items are available at accessible prices, supporting stable market rates and offering affordable options to consumers. He credited this initiative as a significant step in the government’s broader commitment to price stability and food security, highlighting the direct impact of Bharat-branded staples like rice, atta, and dal.

For Phase-II, an initial stock of 3.69 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and 2.91 LMT of rice has been allocated for retail. In Phase-I, approximately 15.20 LMT of Bharat Atta and 14.58 LMT of Bharat Rice were distributed to the public at subsidized rates. The products will be available through Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, NCCF, and select e-commerce and large retail outlets. Both Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice will be sold in 5 kg and 10 kg packaging.

In an update on paddy procurement in Punjab, Joshi underscored the government's resolve to meet the procurement target of 184 LMT. As of November 4, a total of 104.63 LMT of paddy has reached Punjab’s mandis, with 98.42 LMT already procured by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Paddy is being purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2320 per quintal for Grade ‘A’ paddy, as set by the Government of India.

The cumulative value of paddy procured under the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 stands at Rs 20,557 crore, benefiting 5.38 lakh farmers who have already received direct payments to their bank accounts.