THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Food Department has decided not to supply the original Jaya rice provided by the Andhra Pradesh government for the time being. There is no guarantee that Supplyco will even receive the subsidy arrears from the government for the Onam market intervention. Duplicate Jaya rice is now accessible in the market centers, including Supplyco. Duplicate Jaya rice originates from Punjab and Karnataka.

Jaya rice was extensively produced in the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, as per the resolution of the discussion held by Food Minister GR Anil with Andhra Pradesh Food Minister Venkata Nageswara Rao in Thiruvananthapuram last November 1. A good yield was achieved, although the state had demanded 3840 tonnes of Jaya rice per month, only 550 quintals of rice were purchased initially. The rice's price was set at Rs 33.44 to Rs 34.69 per kg, depending on the distance. Supplyco was retailing Premium Jaya rice at Rs 37. Other rice varieties are supplied by vendors at an average price of Rs 30 per kg. The government believes that the original Jaya rice is presently costly due to financial constraints. When the market price soared to Rs 60 per kg, the state negotiated with the Andhra government to procure Jaya rice.

After 1965, Jaya rice production in Andhra declined and subsequently vanished. Crops were produced and harvested as per Kerala's requirements using the previously stored seed. The demand for Jaya rice is low in Andhra, and cultivation depends on the requirements of other states.

When the production of Jaya rice ceased in Andhra, a rice variety called Bondalu was substituted as Jaya rice in Kerala. Bondalu cultivation has also been prohibited in Andhra now.

Supplyco is preparing to commence Onam markets from the 18th. However, there is no assurance of sufficient stock availability. The government allocated Rs 75 crore for market intervention, but even that has not been received. The Food Department is striving to supply stock by emphasizing the pending payments to the suppliers.

Original Jaya rice

1. Grown in: Godavari, Andhra

2. Price: Rs 33.44 to Rs 34.69 per kg

3. Price sold through Supplyco: Rs.37

Duplicate Jaya Rice

1. The wholesale price averages Rs.32 per kg

2. General Market: Upto Rs.39-42

3. Supplyco Subsidized Price: Rs.25

4. Early replacement for Jaya : Bondalu

5. Now: Punjab Jaya, Karnataka Jaya