End to 'rice' politics after elections as Bharat Rice and K Rice vanish from market

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bharat Rice, which was directly distributed by the Centre, and K-Rice, introduced by the state as an alternative to it, can be seen rarely after the election.

Their distribution started with great fanfare. Bharat Rice, which used to be sold on vehicles in every district, now comes occasionally. K-Rice is not available through State Government sales through SupplyCo. A portion of the subsidized rice was rebranded as K-Rice.

Bharat Rice was distributed in vehicles by the National Cooperative Consumers Federation. The LDF had accused BJP leaders of cheating people for the sake of votes when the BJP leaders organized a reception for the sale of rice.

The arrival of Bharat Rice on February 7 comes at a time when Supplyco ran out of stock. Realizing the danger, the state government launched K-Rice under Sabari brand on March 12.

Before the election

1.Vehicles with Bharat Rice arrived in all districts. Up to 10 kg of quality rice were provided at Rs 29/kg.

2. The state government distributed Jaya rice at Rs 29 and Kuruva and Matta rice at Rs 30 under the brand of K-Rice. Apart from subsidized rice, 5 kg pack was given for a person.

After the election

1.Vehicles that come with Bharat Rice are nominal. NAFED has shifted sales to select supermarkets

2. K-Rice packet rice is not available. Five kg of rice will be given in a month. It can be called subsidized rice or K-Rice as you like.

Price surge

Even after harvest in Andhra, rice prices have not come down while some have increased. In the retail market, raw rice, excluding Andhravella (Jaya) crossed Rs.50. If it is packed, the price ranges from Rs 60 to 70.

Rice price yesterday

Item.....................Wholesale Market......................... Retail Market

Champa Vadi............... 49-53............................. ...........54- 59

There is Champa...................43- 46............................. ..........49- 52

Surekha......................... 40- 42..................... .................50- 52

Sona Mussoorie........... 50-58................................. ...60-68