Food prices to remain stable for consumers during festive season, assures government
Published on: October 20, 2023.
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Prices of Essential Food Items to Remain Stable During Festive Season: Government
New Delhi: The government has assured that the prices of essential food items will remain stable during the festive season, according to Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. This comes at a time when the prices of wheat, sugar, and rice have been on the higher side.
In recent months, there has been a surge in the prices of vegetables across the country. Tomatoes were selling for Rs 200-240 per kg, while bhindi and tori were priced at Rs 60-80 per kg. To curb these high prices, the government had to import tomatoes.
Wheat prices have also remained on the higher side due to increased demand during the festive season. To address this, the government has decided to sell surplus stocks of wheat through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic).
The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced that 18.09 LMT of wheat has been sold in 13 e-auctions under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic). This has helped control wheat prices in the open market and ensures sufficient stock for the remainder of 2023-24.
In addition to wheat, rice prices have also been high this year. To stabilize prices and ensure availability in the domestic market, the Indian government has prohibited the export of Non Basmati White Rice, which was previously subject to export duty of 20%.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, rice prices have increased by 11.5% over the past year and 3% over the past month.
Regarding sugar exports, the decision for the 2023-24 market year will be made after receiving production estimates from the Union Agriculture Ministry. The government has restricted sugar exports beyond October 31, 2023, and until further notice, in preparation for the festive season.
Overall, the government aims to maintain stability in essential food item prices during the festive season, taking measures like selling surplus wheat stocks and prohibiting the export of Non Basmati White Rice.
Source: [News Article](https://www.news9live.com)
