The Modi government has taken significant steps to make essential food items more affordable for the common people. One such initiative is the introduction of ‘Bharat Dal,’ a subsidised chana dal brand, which has quickly become the best-selling pulse brand in the country.
Additionally, the government has recently launched ‘Bharat Rice’ to cater to the public’s demand for affordable rice.
The “Bharat” branded initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to ensure food security and affordability for its citizens. These programs demonstrate the power of government intervention in stabilizing markets and making essential food items accessible to all.
Bharat Dal: Affordable Pulse for All
The government’s aim to control food prices led to the creation of ‘Bharat Dal.’ Priced at Rs 60 per kg for a 1 kg pack and Rs 55 per kg for a 30 kg pack, this initiative has proven to be a game-changer. Consumers can find Bharat Dal at various retail outlets managed by organizations like NAFED, NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal. It is also conveniently available on several e-commerce platforms.
Government’s Price Stabilization Measures
To ensure stable prices, the government maintains stocks of key pulses like chana, tur, urad, moong, and Masur in the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF). These stocks are strategically released to control pulse prices. Import duties on tur and urad have been removed until March 31, 2024, and import duties on masur reduced to zero. Stock limits on tur and urad have also been imposed under the Essential Commodities Act, of 1955, to prevent hoarding.
The success of Bharat Dal
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh highlighted the success of Bharat Dal, which quickly gained a quarter of the market share since its launch in October 2023. Priced at Rs 60 per kg, it is more affordable compared to other brands priced at around Rs 80 per kg. Bharat Dal now constitutes a substantial portion of the monthly chana dal consumption nationwide, reaching approximately 1.8 lakh tonnes. Since its launch, about 2.28 lakh tonnes of Bharat Dal have been sold, averaging around 45,000 tonnes per month.
Availability and Expansion
Initially available at 100 retail points, Bharat Dal is now sold at 13,000 mobile and fixed retail outlets across 139 cities in 21 states. Singh emphasized that this initiative has played a crucial role in controlling pulse inflation by indirectly impacting the prices of other pulses through buffer stocks. Currently, the government maintains a buffer stock of 15 lakh tonnes of chana.
Introduction of Bharat Rice
Building on the success of Bharat Dal, the government has recently launched ‘Bharat Rice.’ With an initial allocation of 5 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) of rice, this affordable rice brand is managed by three agencies: NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. Priced at Rs 29 per kg and available in 5 kg and 10 kg bags, Bharat Rice aims to address the sluggish demand for rice among bulk purchasers under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).
Accessible Distribution Channels
To ensure accessibility, Bharat Rice will be sold through mobile vans and physical outlets operated by the central cooperative agencies. Efforts are also underway to make it available through various retail chains, including e-commerce platforms. This initiative responds to the success of other essential commodities like ‘Bharat Atta,’ priced at Rs 27.50 per kg, and ‘Bharat Chana’ at Rs 60 per kg, sold through similar channels.
Positive takeaway
The government’s initiatives with Bharat Dal and Bharat Rice showcase a commitment to providing affordable and essential food items to the people. These efforts not only address the economic concerns of consumers but also contribute to stabilizing prices and ensuring food security across the nation.
As these initiatives continue to gain momentum, they play a vital role in the government’s broader strategy to make essential commodities more accessible to all citizens.
