Thiruvananthapuram: In a counter to the Centre’s ‘Bharat Rice’ distribution, the Kerala government has come up with ‘K-Rice’. The food department is likely to take a final decision on the distribution of food grains which is presumably priced lesser than the ‘Bharat Rice’ this week itself. 

While the Bharat Rice is being distributed through the NAFED, K-Rice is likely to be distributed via ration shops (PDS). Blue and White ration card holders are expected to receive 10 kilograms for every card. This is in addition to the regular allotments. Champa rice and Jaya, Kuruva varieties from Andhra Pradesh will be made available under the tag of ‘K-Rice’.

The Civil Supplies commissioner and its directors have already been given instructions to act in this regard.

The food department will present the proposal at the cabinet meeting very soon and a final decision will be taken at the earliest. It should be noted that the Lok Sabha election dates will most likely be announced in the first week of March. Hence, the distribution of K-Rice should begin before the dates are announced.

‘Bharat Rice’ which is basically the Ponni variety is being sold for Rs 29/kg. However, the Kerala government is mulling on selling the popular Matta variety in the label of ‘K-Rice’. A price between Rs 25- Rs 27 will be charged for every kilogram of the rice.