Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, is set to inaugurate the subsidised Bharat Atta sale today at 2 pm. Priced at an affordable Rs. 27.50 per kilogram, Bharat Atta will be made available through cooperative institutions like NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India), among others.
Back in February, the Union government had signalled its intention to distribute three lakh tonnes of wheat to various cooperatives and Kendriya Bhandar, in addition to the sale of wheat flour. In an effort to combat inflation, the government has also reduced the per kilogram price of Bharat Atta from Rs. 29.5 to Rs. 27.5
Simultaneously, the sale of subsidised Bharat Dal is already in progress to mitigate inflation in the pulse market.
Just last month, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra had foreseen an ample supply of wheat, rice, and sugar, ensuring stable prices during the festive season. With a 3.5% annual inflation rate in wheat, he affirmed the government’s readiness to enhance OMSS (Open Market Sale Scheme) sales from two lakh tonnes if the situation demands.
Export of wheat and rice remains prohibited, as part of the government’s strategy to guarantee sufficient availability and affordable access for consumers.
While certain segments of traders and exporters have approached the government, seeking relaxation on various fronts, including export permissions, the government stands firm in its resolve to restrict wheat and rice exports, guided by the fundamental principle of catering to the needs of India’s vast population of 1.4 billion.
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