Tamil Nadu Government Considers Selling Rice at Cooperative Stores for ₹40-50 per Kilogram

Chennai, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : The Tamil Nadu government is exploring the option of selling rice through cooperative stores at a price range of ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram. This initiative aims to provide relief to consumers amid rising retail prices.

Officials are considering sourcing rice from the Food Corporation of India and other states for distribution via cooperative societies. They are currently gathering information on availability and procurement costs before implementing the program.

Rice prices, which were between ₹50 and ₹60 per kilogram in August, have surged to ₹70 to ₹80, putting additional pressure on family budgets. Other essential commodities, including pulses and cooking oil, have also seen price hikes, prompting the government to review measures to curb these increases.

Food Minister Venkataraman chaired a meeting of the price monitoring committee at the Secretariat in Chennai on Tuesday, where the situation and potential solutions were discussed. Chief Secretary Saikumar, Food Secretary Amudha, Finance Secretary Siddiqui, and other officials were in attendance.

The main focus of the discussion was on controlling the prices of essential goods and ensuring that consumers have access to more affordable supplies. Various measures were considered, including the proposed sale of rice through cooperative stores. An official from the Cooperation and Food Department indicated that the government is looking into acquiring high-quality rice from the Food Corporation of India and other state suppliers.

The goal is to make rice available at cooperative stores for ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram. Officials are identifying states where rice is available for sale and assessing the prices at which supplies can be purchased. This information will help determine whether sufficient quantities of rice can be secured for the proposed intervention.

The official stated that the government will initiate steps to sell rice at lower prices once the availability of one lakh tons of rice is confirmed. Securing this quantity is a crucial requirement before advancing the proposal. The plan is still under consideration, and procurement arrangements have yet to be finalized.

No date has been set for the commencement of sales. If implemented at the proposed rates, this initiative could offer consumers rice at prices lower than current retail rates. The execution of this plan will depend on the confirmation of supply and the government’s assessment of procurement options and costs.