EG Stands Second In Rice Sales Through Government Outlets
East Godavari ranks second in rice sales through government outlets opened to provide superfine rice at lower prices amid rising market rates.
East Godavari district stands second in rice sales through outlets opened by the state government as a market intervention measure. Visakhapatnam is the topper. With rice prices rising in the open market, state government has opened outlets with the support of rice millers. The outlets are selling superfine varieties, including BPT rice, at prices lower than the open market. Raw rice is being sold at ₹50 a kg and steamed for rice ₹52 a kg. The outlets had commenced sales on August 3. Godavari districts are known for paddy cultivation. But the varieties produced locally are mainly suitable for the Public Distribution System (PDS). Superfine varieties are cultivated in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and other states. Rice millers purchase superfine paddy from these states, mill it, and sell the rice. This year, Telangana government purchased paddy from farmers by paying ₹500 per quintal bonus over the minimum support price (MSP), making it difficult for AP rice millers to purchase paddy at the higher price. The decline in superfine paddy cultivation in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and other states has also contributed to a shortage of rice, pushing up rice prices by ₹300 to ₹400 for a 26-kg bag. East Godavari district civil supplies officer V. Parvathi said 45 rice outlets have been opened in the district and 303 quintals have been sold so far. Each household can purchase up to 10 kg of rice by providing the family head’s Aadhaar number. The outlets have been opened at eight Rythu Bazars and rice mills. The officer said more outlets would be opened based on the response, as Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh had recommended increasing their number. According to information available with the department, rice prices in the open market have declined over the past three days.
In the interim, 281 quintals of rice had been sold in Konaseema, 263 quintals in West Godavari and 207 quintals in Eluru district by 8 pm on Tuesday. Kakinada district witnessed a slower response, with only 200 quintals sold through its outlets. Thirty-five outlets have been opened in Kakinada district and city, but the response in Kakinada Rural and Kakinada city mandals has been poor.
Super Bazaar chairman Pesangi Adinarayana said two outlets have been opened at Super Bazaar branches. But technical problems are affecting rice sales.
