On November 6th, 2023, the Union government initiated a program to make packaged wheat flour available to all consumers at subsidized rates. This move was made to ensure stable food prices, especially during the festive season when there is a surge in demand for essential commodities. Piyush Goyal, who serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, inaugurated this program and kickstarted the distribution of atta (wheat flour) with the launch of 100 mobile vans from Kartavya Path in Delhi on the same day.
What is Bharat Atta, and How much does it cost?
‘Bharat Atta’ is a nutritious wheat flour created by blending rice, wheat, and pulses. This innovative scheme is being rolled out through the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure the intended recipients have convenient access to economically priced wheat flour. Piyush Goyal has disclosed that approximately 2.5 lakh tonnes of wheat will be allocated to key entities, including Nafed, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar, sourced from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) at a cost of ₹21.50 per kilogram. These organizations will process the wheat into flour, which will be marketed under the brand ‘Bharat Atta,’ available to consumers at a price of ₹27.50 per kilogram. This initiative aims to provide the public with an affordable and nutritionally enriched flour option, enhancing access to essential dietary staples.
When and where will Bharat Atta sell?
‘Bharat Atta’ will be conveniently accessible to consumers in packages of 10 kilograms and 30 kilograms. These products will be available at various locations, including Mother Dairy, NAFED, and NCCF shops. Furthermore, to broaden its reach to consumers, these products will also be distributed through a network of 800 mobile vans and 2,000 designated locations managed by these organizations. Rohit Kumar, the Consumer Affairs Secretary, has outlined the distribution plan, stating that NAFED and NCCF will each be allocated one lakh of wheat for processing. In comparison, Kendriya Bhandar will receive 50,000 tonnes. This strategy ensures that ‘Bharat Atta’ reaches a diverse and extensive customer base, thereby making it more accessible and affordable for a broad segment of the population.
Other Items that are being sold at Subsidised Rate
In the past, the government introduced the “Bharat Dal” (pulses) initiative, which offered chickpeas (chana dal) for sale at the rates of Rs 60 per kilogram for a 1kg package and Rs 55 per kilogram for a 30kg packet. Furthermore, in around 150 locations within the Delhi-NCR region, the government has made onions available to consumers at the affordable price of Rs 25 per kilogram.
General Prices of Wheat Flour in India
The current market price of wheat flour in India varies between Rs 40 to Rs 70 per kilogram, depending on factors such as quality and location. Despite being the world’s largest wheat producer, India has had elevated cereal inflation for over a year. According to the latest crop output forecasts for 2022-2023 from the Ministry of Agriculture, the overall food grain production has reached an all-time high. However, wheat production fell slightly short of the initial projection, at 110 million tonnes, 1.7% less than the anticipated 112 million tons. This drop in wheat production has contributed to the recent price increases.
Objective of Bharat Atta Scheme
The primary objective of this scheme is to curb food inflation and provide affordable wheat flour to disadvantaged and economically vulnerable sections of society. This initiative aims to ensure that essential food items remain accessible and affordable, even during increased demand, benefiting a wide range of consumers nationwide.
