Now states also allowed to buy rice at the rate of Rs 2250 per quintal
12-Feb-2025 05:30 PM
The government is actively working to reduce its large rice stock in the central pool. It has now allowed state governments and corporations to buy rice at a discounted rate of Rs 2250 per quintal directly from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) depot, bypassing the usual weekly e-auction under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). A total of 12 lakh tonnes of rice can be purchased through this scheme.
Additionally, ethanol distilleries can also buy rice at Rs 2250 per quintal, with a total quota of 24 lakh tonnes allocated for them. However, the price for rice purchased by private traders or millers via the weekly e-auction will remain higher, at Rs 2800 per quintal. Small traders and entrepreneurs also have to pay Rs 2800 per quintal. The price for rice sold under the Bharat brand remains at Rs 2400 per quintal, and for community kitchens, it is set at Rs 2250 per quintal.
Regarding wheat, the government has set the minimum reserve price for the period from August 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, at Rs 2325 per quintal for FAQ quality and Rs 2300 per quintal for URS quality under OMSS. For the Bharat Brand flour and wheat for community kitchens, the price is Rs 2300 per quintal.
In the case of coarse grains like millet, ragi, sorghum, and maize, the reserve prices are set as follows for the period from July 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025:
- Millet: Rs 2500 per quintal
- Ragi: Rs 3840 per quintal
- Sorghum: Rs 3180 per quintal
- Maize: Rs 2090 per quintal
The government currently holds a smaller stock of coarse grains compared to rice and wheat.