AP: Subsidised Chakki Wheat Flour Rolled Out Under PDS To Boost Food Security

Vijayawada: In a significant step to strengthen food security under the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Andhra Pradesh government has, for the first time, begun supplying nutritionally rich chakki wheat flour to ration cardholders at a highly subsidised price of ₹20 per kg.

Launching the programme at a fair price shop in the APIIC Colony at Patamata in Vijayawada Urban on Thursday, S. Dilli Rao, vice-chairman and managing director of the Andhra Pradesh state civil supplies corporation, said the initiative aims to provide quality nutrition to beneficiaries at an affordable cost. He inaugurated the distribution along with R. Govinda Rao, director of civil supplies, NTR district collector G. Lakshmisha and joint collector S. Ilakkiya.

Addressing the gathering, Dilli Rao said the programme was rolled out on the first day of the New Year, ahead of Sankranti, in line with the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister and senior ministers. He said the government was ensuring the supply of high-quality, nutrient-rich wheat flour at a substantial subsidy. Around 1,850 metric tonnes of wheat received from the Centre every month is being utilised for the scheme.

Unlike roller-milled flour, chakki wheat flour is produced through stone grinding, which helps retain fibre and essential nutrients. He added that special care is being taken during milling to minimise nutritional loss. Distribution has begun at district headquarters and will be expanded in phases across the state.

The district collector and the director of civil supplies said the initiative aligns with the National Food Security Act, 2013, under which essential commodities are supplied to beneficiaries. They emphasised that strict quality checks are being followed at every stage — milling, packing and transportation.

Beneficiaries were urged to make full use of the scheme and report any issues in distribution to concerned officials. The programme reflects the government’s continued focus on the welfare and well-being of the poor, officials said.

Revenue divisional officer Kavuri Chaitanya, assistant supply officer Srinivasulu Naidu, representatives of the district dealers’ association and others were present.