Central Government doubles rice sale target to 50 lakh metric tonnes

The Central Government has taken a significant decision to keep rice prices under control and ensure its adequate availability in the country. According to an official PIB report, the government has decided to increase the annual sale target of rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) from 25 lakh metric tonnes to 50 lakh metric tonnes. This decision, taken for the financial year 2026-27, primarily aims to provide relief to consumers by increasing the supply of rice in the market. In the current financial year, 25 lakh metric tonnes of rice have already been sold to private parties through e-auctions by October 31, 2026, which is significantly higher than the 11 lakh metric tonnes recorded during the same period last year.

Additionally, the government has made it mandatory for all rice and paddy traders, wholesalers, retailers, large chain retailers, and millers across the country to declare their stocks. According to the order issued on November 6, 2026, all entities must update their stock details on the Food Stock Portal every Friday. This stock has been divided into six categories, including Basmati rice, premium non-Basmati rice, ordinary non-Basmati rice, parboiled rice, broken rice, and paddy. Strict punitive action will be taken against entities that are not registered on the portal or violate the prescribed stock limits under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

To stabilize rice prices in South Indian states, the Central Government has authorized Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana to impose stock limits on paddy and rice. This approval, granted on November 6, 2026, will remain in effect until January 31, 2027. These measures aim to ensure that ordinary consumers receive rice at reasonable prices by preventing hoarding and black marketing. The Central and State governments will jointly monitor the implementation of these rules closely.

Furthermore, the government has also increased the distribution of 'Bharat Rice'. Additional quantities have been allocated to agencies such as NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar to make rice available at affordable rates in every corner of the country, especially in the Southern states. These agencies have been instructed to utilize all possible distribution channels so that consumers can purchase rice easily. All these policy interventions are intended to maintain food security in the country and curb price hikes.

The Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) is an important initiative of the Government of India used to regulate grain prices. In the past, the government has also released quantities of wheat and rice into the market under this scheme as per requirement. Through this scheme, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) sells surplus grain stored in its warehouses via e-auctions to prevent market shortages and maintain price stability. The primary objective of the government's strategy has been to protect consumer interests and maintain continuity of supply in the market.