Kottayam: Supplyco will continue its fair price rice sales, which began during the Onam season. During Onam, cardholders were allowed to purchase 20 kg of rice at ₹25 per kilogram. Although the sale continued into September, it was initially expected to end once the stock was depleted. However, the government has now directed that the offer be extended over the coming months.

An added benefit is the availability of ‘Kuthari’ (parboiled rice), a variety popular in Kerala. Before Onam, Minister G.R. Anil had requested the release of ‘Kuthari’ rice from Andhra Pradesh to Kerala during discussions with FCI officials. This is the same rice supplied during the Onam season. In August, cardholders were given the option to purchase quotas for both August and September, resulting in most receiving 40 kg of rice.

As of September 3, Supplyco has earned ₹38 crore from the sale of 1.19 lakh quintals of rice. The plan is to procure an average of 3,000 tonnes of rice monthly from the FCI going forward.

The policy has been revised to allow anyone with a GST registration to procure rice from the FCI without an auction. There is an additional buffer stock of 3.7 crore tonnes in godowns nationwide. Rice is available for ₹28 per kilogram until October and will cost ₹28.90 from 1 November to 30 June 2026. Supplyco sells the rice at ₹25, providing an average subsidy of ₹3. In the open market, prices range between ₹45 and ₹52 per kilogram.

NAFED Onion @ ₹24

Following the Bharat Rice distribution model, NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) will sell onions in public places at ₹24 per kilogram, compared to the open market price of ₹30. This direct sale aims to prevent a price hike during the Diwali season. This year, NAFED has procured 1.7 million tonnes of onions. Several primary cooperative societies have also approached NAFED to take advantage of this scheme.