New Delhi, 7th Feb. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the sale of Rice under the ‘Bharat’ brand and flagged off 100 mobile vans on Tuesday in a significant move to enhance accessibility and affordability of essential commodities.
During his address at the event, Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to addressing the needs of the nation, particularly in maintaining stable prices of essential goods. He reiterated the government’s dedication to the welfare of farmers and citizens, highlighting initiatives to ensure fair pricing and distribution.
The launch of retail sale of ‘Bharat’ Rice is expected to bolster market supplies and contribute to the ongoing efforts to stabilize prices of this crucial food item. This initiative aligns with the government’s overarching goal of consumer welfare and affordability.
‘Bharat’ Rice will be available at all physical and mobile outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) from today, with plans for expansion to other retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. The rice will be sold in family-friendly 5 kg and 10 kg bags at a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 29/kg.
Furthermore, the event highlighted the availability of other essential commodities under the ‘Bharat’ brand, including Atta and Dal, which have already been made accessible to consumers through various retail channels. These efforts aim to ensure fair and affordable prices for consumers across the country.
The government’s commitment to welfare programs such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was underscored, emphasizing the inclusive approach to benefiting farmers, consumers, and various socio-economic groups.
In addition to retail initiatives, the government continues to undertake procurement operations and distribution efforts to support farmers and maintain adequate supplies of essential commodities. Measures such as e-auctions for the sale of wheat and import facilitation for edible oils are part of the comprehensive strategy to stabilize prices and ensure food security.
Goyal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers, PDS beneficiaries, and consumers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair prices and availability of essential commodities for all sections of society.
