Ensuring Atta affordability with Bharat Atta Initiative

To stabilize Atta prices, 6 lakh metric tons of wheat at INR 21.50/kg are allocated to Semi-Government and cooperative organizations like Kendriya Bhandar, National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF), and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), ensuring affordability for the public.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

To regulate Atta prices, 6 lakh metric tons (LMT) of wheat has been allotted at a rate of INR 21.50/kg to Semi-Government and cooperative organizations such as Kendriya Bhandar, NCCF, and NAFED under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).

This allocation aims to produce Atta, branded as ‘Bharat Atta,’ with a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) capped at INR 27.50/kg, ensuring affordability for the general public. Additionally, subsidized Bharat Dal (Chana Dal) and Onions are distributed by Central/State co-operative agencies through various retail outlets, both physical and mobile. A significant quantity of Bharat Atta, Bharat Dal (Chana), and Onions has been sold at subsidized rates to benefit consumers.

Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, issued an order directing the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to set the effective issue price of wheat to NAFED/NCCF/Kendriya Bhandar for Bharat Atta at Rs.1715 per quintal, after allowing a subsidy of INR 435 per quintal from the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) on the existing reserve price of INR2150 per quintal.

Bharat Atta, despite being sold at a Maximum Retail Price not exceeding Rs.27.50/kg, is priced lower than the all-India average retail prices of Atta. NAFED/NCCF/Kendriya Bhandar distribute Bharat Atta through physical retail outlets, mobile vans, and various retail chains, including e-commerce platforms.

As of January 1, 2024, the Central Pool’s stock of wheat and rice stands at 163.53 lakh MT and 181.76 lakh MT, respectively, surpassing the buffer stocking norms.