AP rolls out subsidised rice sales across 630 counters

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In an attempt to cushion consumers from rising prices in the open market, the Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday launched the sale of BPT rice at reduced prices through 630 special counters across the State.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar formally launched the initiative at the APIIC Rythu Bazaar in Vijayawada, where he personally handed over rice packets to consumers.

Under the initiative, BPT Super Fine rice is being sold at Rs 52 per kg and BPT raw rice at Rs 50 per kg. The sales are being undertaken through 130 Rythu Bazaars and 500 special counters established by rice millers across Andhra Pradesh. Consumers can purchase up to 10 kg of rice per person on production of Aadhaar identification.

Manohar said the initiative was conceived after the government reviewed the movement of rice prices in the retail market and held consultations with the State’s rice millers.

According to the Minister, BPT Super Fine rice, which is being sold in the open market at around Rs 62-65 per kg, is being offered through the special counters at Rs 52. Similarly, rice varieties selling at around Rs 58-60 per kg are being made available at Rs 50.

“The government is constantly monitoring fluctuations in essential commodity prices. Whenever prices impose an additional burden on families, we want to intervene and provide commodities at affordable rates,” Manohar said.

He appreciated the State Rice Millers’ Association for joining the initiative and agreeing to supply rice at reduced prices.

The government is also working on extending the price-intervention mechanism to other essential commodities.

Manohar said discussions were being held with the Centre to explore arrangements for supplying toor dal and palm oil at reduced prices in the coming days.

He said the coalition government’s objective was to anticipate price-related difficulties faced by consumers and intervene before the burden became severe.

The initiative assumes significance amid concerns over fluctuations in food prices, particularly rice, which constitutes a major component of household expenditure across the State. Officials expect the network of 630 counters to provide consumers with an alternative to prevailing retail prices while also exerting pressure on the broader market to keep prices under check. The Minister appealed to people across Andhra Pradesh to utilise the facility.

Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao, Civil Supplies Director Nupur, NTR District Collector Lakshmeesha, State Rice Millers’ Association president Gummadi Venkateswara Rao, Jana Sena State secretary Ammisetti Vasu and other officials participated in the launch.