In a bid to stabilise rice prices and provide relief to consumers, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to sell quality rice at subsidised rates through 130 rythu bazaars and around 500 special counters across the State from August 1.

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar announced the decision after reviewing the prevailing rice prices with representatives of rice millers at the Secretariat on Thursday.

Under the initiative, BPT/KNM Super Fine rice would be sold at ₹52 per kg, while Grade-I Raw Rice would be available for ₹50 per kg, around ₹10 lower than the prevailing market price.

The Minister said the government had received feedback from consumers over the steady increase in rice prices, prompting it to intervene.

Mr. Manohar attributed the rise in prices to factors such as global geopolitical developments, concerns over El Niño, and increasing transportation and operational costs. He said the government was committed to ensuring price stability and that a similar intervention undertaken earlier by the coalition government had yielded positive results.

The subsidised rice would be sold under the supervision of the Civil Supplies Department through counters operated by district rice millers’ associations. To prevent diversion and ensure genuine beneficiaries receive the rice, the government plans to introduce biometric or Aadhaar-based authentication for purchases.

The Minister said rice millers had agreed to directly participate in the programme, eliminating middlemen, and would allocate 10% of their stocks for sale through the special counters. They also assured the government of adequate supply to urban areas and districts with lower paddy production.

Mr. Manohar said the initiative would provide quality rice at affordable prices to the public, while helping stabilise the market. He also reiterated the government's commitment to promoting “Brand AP” by strengthening the State's rice sector, improving quality standards and expanding exports of premium Andhra Pradesh rice.