The Indian government launched the second phase of its Bharat-branded atta (wheat flour) and rice initiative on Tuesday, aiming to curb rising food inflation. Under this program, subsidized atta will be sold at Rs. 30 per kg, up from Rs. 27.5 in the first phase, while rice is priced at Rs.34 per kg, increased from the previous Rs. 29 per kg.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Pralhad V. Joshi, described the initiative as a temporary intervention to stabilize the prices of essential food staples. “This phase of retail sale of subsidized Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice aims to address the high prices in the market,” he stated, noting that the government has also raised the minimum support price (MSP) twice this year to support farmers.
The phase-2 distribution involves 2, 91,738 metric tons of rice and 3,69,947 metric tons of atta. During the first phase, which ran from October 2023 to June 2024, over 15.20 lakh metric tons of wheat flour and 14.58 lakh metric tons of rice were distributed. The Bharat-branded staples, available in 5 kg and 10 kg packs, will be sold through cooperatives, including NCCF, Nafed, Kendriya Bhandar, and select e-commerce platforms.
India has been grappling with inflation, with retail food inflation reaching a nine-month high in September. Food inflation rose by 9.24% year-on-year, up from 5.66% in August, impacting consumer spending and urban demand, which slowed significantly. Major companies such as Hindustan Unilever, ITC, and Nestlé have cited inflationary pressures as a key concern.
To make Bharat atta and rice more affordable, the government has subsidized the effective prices. Bharat rice, with a market retail price of Rs. 34 per kg, includes a subsidy of Rs 2, while Bharat atta, priced at Rs. 30 per kg, has a subsidy of Rs. 2.35. Joshi confirmed that this initiative will continue until stocks are depleted, and additional supplies will be made available if needed.
Meanwhile, over Rs. 20,000 crore has been credited to over 5 lakh farmers’ accounts this season as MSP payments, underscoring the government’s ongoing support for India’s agricultural sector.