THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the rising rice prices in the country, the government has taken steps to procure more rice in the state to avoid any significant impact and to increase reserves. This is despite the fact that price for high demand rice in the state has gone up by Rs 8 to Rs 12 in two months. Minister GR Anil and the food secretary will hold discussions today with FCI General Manager to increase stock of ration rice.

Rice prices are on the rise in the international market. Vietnam, the world's third-largest exporter of rice, started importing from India when prices soared. Prices in India also rose as exports increased. Therefore, the Centre is considering restricting rice exports to wheat and sugar. This is to ensure the availability of rice in the domestic market and to prevent price rise.