By: Aditya Ahuja
In a move to alleviate the impact of food inflation on the public, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, flagged of 100 mobile vans for the sale of of ‘Bharat Atta’ (wheat flour) at subsidized rates of Rs 27.50 per kilogram. Bharat Atta is a fortified wheat flour that is made with a blend of wheat, rice, and pulses. It is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
Subsidized Wheat Flour for Public Welfare
Under the ‘Bharat’ brand, Piyush Goyal launched the sale of wheat flour (Atta) at prices not exceeding ₹27.50 per kilogram. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to the market price, which often ranges between ₹40-45 per kilogram. The introduction of ‘Bharat’ Atta is part of a series of measures undertaken by the Government of India (GoI) to support the welfare of ordinary consumers.
Increased Supplies and Moderation of Prices
The introduction of retail sale of ‘Bharat’ brand Atta will increase supplies in the market at affordable rates. This approach contributes to the continued moderation of prices for this essential food item, easing the financial burden on consumers.
Wide Availability Through Cooperative Outlets
‘Bharat’ Atta is made available through a wide network of cooperative outlets, including Kendriya Bhandar, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF). The availability of affordable wheat flour is expanded to various co-op and retail outlets to ensure access for consumers.
Government’s Ongoing Efforts to Benefit Farmers and Consumers
Piyush Goyal emphasized that the government’s intervention in stabilizing essential commodity prices has benefited both farmers and consumers. He highlighted the measures taken in the past, such as providing subsidies to maintain affordable prices for items like tomatoes and onions, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
Supporting Farmers Through Minimum Support Prices
The government supports farmers by fixing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for food grains, pulses, and other crops, alongside nationwide procurement operations. These initiatives ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, thus promoting their welfare.
Subsidized Essential Items for Consumers
The government also extends its support to consumers by providing essential items like Bharat Dal (pulses) at subsidized rates. This approach offers relief to consumers while facilitating the purchase of these commodities at fair and affordable prices.
Government Initiatives to Stabilize Essential Food Items
The GoI is actively monitoring the retail prices of essential food commodities. This includes analyzing price trends and taking necessary actions to manage stocks and prevent hoarding. The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) plays a crucial role in mitigating price volatility and benefiting both consumers and farmers.
Efforts to Ensure Availability of Edible Oils at Affordable Prices
The government is closely monitoring domestic retail prices of edible oils to ensure that the benefits of decreasing international prices are passed on to consumers. Measures include adjustments in import duties and agri-cess to control and ease the prices of edible oils in the domestic market.
The launch of ‘Bharat’ Atta is a significant step in the government’s commitment to support farmers and ensure essential commodities remain affordable for consumers. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to stabilizing prices, enhancing supply, and benefiting both farmers and consumers. It aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to ease the financial burden on the common man while supporting the agricultural sector.
It is worth mentioning that in a similar effort, the government previously introduced the Bharat Dal scheme, offering chickpeas (chana dal) at Rs 60 per 1kg packet and Rs 55 per kilogram for 30 kg packets. Furthermore, the government is selling onions at a rate of Rs 25 per kilogram at approximately 150 locations in the Delhi-NCR region.
