THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil has made an announcement that comes as a relief for the common man. The minister declared that the Onam Fair will be held this month to curb the price hike in the Onam market. The Chief Minister is set to inaugurate the Onam Fair on August 18 at the Putharikandam ground. The Onam fair will also commence on the 18th in district centers. This fair is scheduled to continue until the 28th of this month.

The Minister stated that Supplyco will introduce five products to the market at a discounted price of Rs 5. Additionally, the minister addressed the reports concerning shortages of materials in Supplyco. He clarified that among the 13 subsidized food items, only three are currently in short supply on the store shelves. He further added that the media is sensationalizing the issues and spreading unnecessary fear.

Concurrently, the price of rice has experienced a sharp increase in the public market, further burdening the lives of the common people. Even prior to the onset of Onam, the price of rice has surged alarmingly and this includes the price of Jaya rice. It's intriguing to observe such price hikes occurring before the advent of Onam. This suggests that the escalation in price is attributed to states, including Andhra Pradesh, which previously supplied rice to Kerala, now prioritizing exports.