In a bid to counter the upward trend in rice prices, the government has issued orders mandating entities stocking rice to disclose their stock from next Friday. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi today, Secretary, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Sanjeev Chopra said that the Food and Public Distribution department will oversee the disclosure, categorizing stocks into broke rice, basmati, and non-basmati varieties. Mr. Chopra said that the government aims to send a clear signal to entities that are hoarding rice stocks. He further announced that Bharat Rice will be launched next week, priced at 29 rupees per kilogram. Mr. Chopra said that the Bharat Rice will be available at retail outlets such as NAFED, Kendriya Bhandar, and various e-commerce platforms. He further added that to address regions with higher-than-average rice prices, the government will target specific centers for intervention, aiming to stabilize prices.<br />”<br />”The government also clarified that there is no proposal to revisit export restrictions until prices are under control. Mr. Chopra said that the decision to mandatory stock closures and the introduction of Bharat Rice at affordable rates underscores the government's dedication to stabilize the market and ensuring food accessibility for all.<br />