THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Food Department has decided to provide Sabari K Rice as an alternative to the Central Government's Bharat Rice this week. The price will be Rs 26-29.
The suppliers are ready to supply four varieties of rice in the tender called by Supplyco. Two of them will be sold in 5 kg packs under the name Sabari K Rice at Supplyco outlets.
The government initially tried to supply K Rice with rice from Telangana. The price of rice provided by the Telangana Agriculture Department is Rs 30-35. A letter has been sent to the Telangana government to reduce the price. If the election is announced by the time the decision is made, K Rice cannot be distributed. That is why it has been decided to sell the Supplyco tendered rice.
The state government is supplying K rice with the aim of Lok Sabha elections. One of the reasons is the acceptance of Bharat Rice by the Center at Rs 29.
The government is counting on K Rice to give it the upper hand politically. It was expected to supply rice from Telangana for at least Rs 25-26. However, the government has to wait and see if the Congress government there will reduce the price of rice to the Left government in Kerala.
K rice for ration card holders
"Supplyco will supply K rice soon. The government is moving forward'
- GR Anil, Food Minister