nafed to launch bharat brand rice in 5 kg and 10 kg packs
Published on: April 30, 2024.
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NAFED to Sell Rice Under Bharat Brand to Reduce Prices
CHENNAI – The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) has announced plans to sell rice under the Bharat brand in an effort to lower prices in the open market. The rice will be sold in 5-kg and 10-kg packs, with both boiled and raw options available.
Currently, the best quality rice is being sold for ₹75-80/kg in the open market and up to ₹90/kg online. However, NAFED will sell their rice at the affordable price of ₹29/kg through this new initiative.
Retail prices for rice remain high, despite a reduction in wholesale prices. According to R. Punnaiappan of the Koyambedu Wholesale Food Grains Merchant Association, the retail prices cannot be reduced like wholesale prices due to the existence of old stock. There are also reports of paddy being sent to neighboring countries, resulting in a shortage of new crops.
NAFED has previously sold wheat flour and chana dal to help control prices. Wheat is sold in 10-kg bags, with 1 kg of flour priced at ₹27.50. In response to customer demand, NAFED will soon introduce 5-kg bags of wheat flour. So far, the federation has sold 1,900 tonnes of chana dal at ₹60/kg.
To make the items more accessible, the sale of these commodities is taking place through small autorickshaws and vans, which are stationed at railway stations and bus termini. Additionally, Kendriya Bhandar stores and farmers’ producers organizations in some areas have been enlisted to sell the Bharat brand items.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan has raised questions about the age of the rice and dal being sold. He believes that consumers have the right to know detailed information about the items, including their age and the option to purchase different grades of rice, such as Basmati.
Source: [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com)
