State rolls out rice at affordable prices

Vijayawada: Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar said the state government was taking special measures to control the prices of essential commodities and provide quality food items to the public at affordable rates, particularly during the festive season.

The minister on Monday inaugurated sales of BPT fine rice and KNM/RNR varieties at a special counter at the Bhavanipuram Rythu Bazaar in Vijayawada. Speaking to the media after the inauguration, he said the government had expanded the initiative in response to public demand.

Under the scheme, BPT fine rice is being sold at Rs. 49 per kg, while KNM/RNR fine rice is available at Rs. 50 per kg. The rice is being supplied in 26-kg bags through special counters at Rythu Bazaars.Manohar said the government was closely monitoring market prices amid inflation and changing international conditions to reduce the financial burden on ordinary and middle-class families. He added that the initiative was being implemented on the directions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.The minister said BPT and Nellore fine rice varieties, which were in high demand among consumers, were being made available at lower prices through special counters across the state.

The government was assessing available rice stocks and making arrangements to ensure adequate supplies.

He said the initiative would provide relief to families who were otherwise forced to purchase fine rice at higher prices in the open market. The government aimed to ensure that rising prices of essential commodities did not dampen the festive spirit of ordinary households.

Manohar said wheat flour was already being sold at Rs. 25 per kg, while onions were being supplied through Rythu Bazaars at Rs. 35 per kg in view of the increase in market prices. These initiatives had received a positive response from consumers, he added.

The government was also making efforts to supply toor dal at affordable prices in the coming days, he said, adding that support from the Centre would be sought to make essential commodities available at lower rates.

The minister stressed that quality would not be compromised and that steps would be taken to ensure consumers received good-quality rice. Civil supplies commissioner Kannababu participated in the programme.

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