The Indian government launched Phase II of its subsidized Bharat brand food distribution program on Tuesday, aimed at making essential food items like rice and wheat more affordable. Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the event by flagging off mobile vans of agencies such as NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandar. These mobile vans will facilitate the distribution of Bharat brand atta (wheat flour) and rice directly to consumers at subsidized prices.
Affordable Pricing for Bharat Atta and Rice
Under this phase, Bharat Atta is available at a maximum retail price (MRP) of ₹30 per kilogram, while Bharat Rice is priced at ₹34 per kilogram. Speaking to the media, Minister Joshi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring essential food items are accessible to consumers at subsidized rates. He highlighted that direct interventions, including the retail sale of basic food items under the Bharat brand, help maintain stable prices for staples like rice, atta, and dal.
Stock Availability and Packaging Options
In the early stages of Phase II, the government has allocated 3.69 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and 2.91 LMT of rice for retail distribution. During Phase I of the initiative, around 15.20 LMT of Bharat Atta and 14.58 LMT of Bharat Rice were sold to consumers. For Phase II, Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice will be distributed via stores and mobile vans operated by Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, NCCF, and also through e-commerce platforms and large retail chains. Both products will be available in 5 kg and 10 kg bags, providing consumers with convenient purchase options.
Providing updates on kharif paddy procurement, Minister Joshi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reaching the targeted procurement goal of 184 LMT in Punjab. As of November 4, approximately 104.63 LMT of paddy had been delivered to Punjab’s mandis (wholesale markets), with state agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procuring around 98.42 LMT of this quantity. Paddy is being purchased at the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,320 per quintal, with the government’s total expenditure on paddy procurement in the current Kharif marketing season 2024-25 reaching ₹20,557 crores.
Through this initiative, the government aims to support food security for the broader population by stabilizing food prices and ensuring the steady availability of basic food items. The Bharat brand program, alongside its procurement operations, exemplifies the government’s strategy to address food inflation and support agricultural communities across India.