Govt Launches 'Bharat' Atta at an MRP of ₹27.50 per KG , Piyush Goyal Flags Off 100 Mobile Vans for The Sale

In a significant move aimed at ensuring affordable food staples for ordinary consumers, the Government of India has launched the sale of 'Bharat' brand wheat flour (Atta) at a maximum retail price (MRP) of ₹27.50 per kilogram. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, flagged off 100 mobile vans that will facilitate the sale of 'Bharat' Atta, marking the latest initiative in a series of steps taken by the government to stabilize essential commodity prices.

The introduction of 'Bharat' Atta, available at all physical and mobile outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India Ltd (NCCF), is expected to increase the supply of this crucial food item at affordable rates, thereby moderating its market prices.

The government has allocated 2.5 lakh metric tons of wheat at a rate of ₹21.50 per kilogram to semi-government and cooperative organizations, including Kendriya Bhandar, NCCF, and NAFED, under the Open Market Sale Scheme [OMSS (D)]. These organizations will convert the allocated wheat into Atta and offer it for sale to the public under the 'Bharat Atta' brand, ensuring the MRP does not exceed ₹27.50 per kilogram.

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Speaking at the launch event, Shri Goyal emphasized the government's commitment to stabilize the prices of essential commodities, citing previous interventions related to products like tomatoes and onions. He also highlighted the benefits of these measures for both consumers and farmers, as the government purchases produce from farmers and provides it to consumers at subsidized rates. This approach aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision to support both consumers and farmers.

The government has taken a multi-pronged approach to ensure fair prices for farmers and affordable rates for consumers. This includes setting Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for various food grains, conducting nationwide procurement operations, and distributing procured grains under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). These efforts have led to a significant reduction in cane dues for sugarcane farmers and stable sugar prices for consumers.

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To address the rising prices of edible oils, the government has taken measures such as reducing import duties, extending free imports of Refined Palm Oils, and closely monitoring domestic retail prices to pass on the benefits of lower international prices to consumers.

The government is also actively monitoring prices of 22 essential food commodities through a network of price monitoring centers across the country. The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) has been established to mitigate price volatility, promote direct purchases from farmers, and maintain a strategic buffer stock. The PSF has received budgetary support of ₹27,489.15 crore to procure and distribute agri-horticultural commodities.

In addition to maintaining buffer stocks of pulses and onions, the government has procured tomatoes to make them available to consumers at subsidized rates. The buffer stock of onions is being increased to ensure price stability, and measures have been taken to curb hoarding and prevent export of non-basmati rice.

Overall, the government's comprehensive approach aims to ensure food security, support farmers, and provide essential food items at reasonable prices to consumers, reinforcing its commitment to the welfare of the people.

For more information, consumers can visit the official websites of Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF, or contact their nearest outlets for details on the availability of 'Bharat' Atta and other essential commodities.

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