Quality Fine Rice at ₹52/kg Launched Across AP to Check Price Rise

The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday launched a subsidised quality rice sale programme across the state, making premium fine rice available at significantly reduced prices through 150 Rythu Bazaars and 500 rice mill outlets.

Launching the initiative at the APIIC Colony Rythu Bazaar here, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Nadendla Manohar said the government had taken the decision after closely monitoring the sharp increase in rice prices in the open market over the past month. He said the government, in coordination with the state rice millers association, had introduced the scheme to ensure that quality rice reaches consumers at affordable prices while stabilising market rates.

The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Ramamohan, NTR district collector Lakshmisha and civil supplies director Ajay Kumar.

He said BPT Steam Rice, which was retailing at `64-65 per kg, would be sold at `52 per kg. A family can purchase up to 10kg at the subsidised price. Similarly, BPT Raw Rice, which was riced between `58 and `60 per kg, will now be available at `50 per kg.

Manohar said the subsidised sales commenced statewide on Sunday. He described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind consumer welfare measure aimed at making quality rice affordable while preventing further escalation of prices in the open market.

The minister expressed his hope that making quality rice available through 150 Rythu Bazaars and 500 rice mill outlets would not only provide immediate relief to consumers but also help regulate prices in the retail market. He urged ministers, MPs and MLAs to participate in the launch programmes at Rythu Bazaars and rice mill outlets.

The government, he said, would closely monitor the prices of tur dal and palm oil in the coming months and take steps to prevent any undue burden on consumers. Price stabilisation and consumer welfare would remain a priority for the government.

MLA Gadde Ramamohan said the programme reflected the government's commitment to identifying public issues and responding promptly with effective solutions. The initiative came at a time when consumers feared a steep rise in rice prices and the government, he said, would provide substantial relief to households.

He said the government was gathering feedback through Praja Vedika and the media to formulate timely interventions to regulate market situations.