To effectively check soaring retail rice prices as part of the State government’s intervention, the officials have rolled out a subsidised rice distribution programme across Chittoor, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts.
Effective from Saturday (August 1), the initiative is intended to provide quality rice varieties at rates lower than those prevailing in the open market. Officials said it would seek to provide immediate relief to ration card holders grappling with rising household expenses amid sharp increases in retail rice prices.
Chittoor district Joint Collector Adarsh Rajendran said the government had established special sale counters at designated supermarkets and Rythu Bazaars in every Assembly constituency to ensure easy access to reasonably priced rice. “We expect that the move will increase competition in the retail market and discourage excessive pricing,” he said.
Under the scheme, Super Fine Steam (BPT) rice, which sells for around ₹62 per kilogram in the open market, will be offered at ₹52 per kilogram. Grade-I Raw BPT rice, retailing at about ₹58 a kilogram, will be available for ₹50 through the special counters.
In Chittoor district, the counters have been opened at Rythu Bazaar in Chittoor, Varsha Mart in G.D. Nellore, Balaji Cooperative Super Market in Palamaner, Sharvana Big Bazaar in Kuppam, Sangham Super Market in Puthalapattu and Reliance Mart in Nagari. Similar arrangements have been made in Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts through identified retail outlets to ensure wider coverage.
Households welcomed the price reduction, saying that even a difference of ₹8 to ₹10 per kilogram would translate into meaningful monthly savings for lower-and middle-income group families.
At Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, the district administration has formed special teams in coordination with the vigilance wing to prevent traders and petty shoppers from exploiting consumers by escalating rice prices.
Published – August 01, 2026 07:04 pm IST
