The Union Ministry of Food, Consumer Affairs, and Public Distribution has notified a revised reserve price for rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme, Domestic (OMSS-D), effective until March 31, 2025, or until further notice. The new reserve prices are as follows:
Private parties, cooperative societies, and federations: Rice will be sold at Rs 2800 per quintal through e-auction. This price is also applicable to small private traders, entrepreneurs, state governments, and provincial corporations purchasing from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots.
Distilleries for ethanol production: The price for rice provided to distilleries for ethanol production is fixed at Rs 2800 per quintal. However, this applies only to distilleries registered with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Central cooperative organizations (e.g., NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar): These agencies will receive rice at Rs 2400 per quintal for retail sale under the "Bharat" brand.
Community kitchens: The price for rice provided to community kitchens is also set at Rs 2400 per quintal.
State governments and subordinate corporations: They do not need to participate in e-auctions and can directly purchase rice from FCI depots.
The purpose of these price revisions is to address the surplus rice stock held by FCI.