The programme, aimed at reducing the burden of rising food prices on households, was formally inaugurated in Vijayawada by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar.

Under the initiative, rice is now available at 130 Rythu Bazaars and 500 special counters operated by rice millers across the state. The programme is being implemented by the Civil Supplies Department in association with the Andhra Pradesh Rice Millers Association.

As part of the scheme, BPT Super Fine rice is being sold at ₹52 per kg, while BPT Raw Rice is available at ₹50 per kg, significantly lower than prevailing market prices. The government has limited purchases to 10 kg per person based on Aadhaar authentication to ensure wider public access.

Launching the programme at the APIIC Rythu Bazaar in Vijayawada, Nadendla Manohar personally distributed rice to consumers and said the government had taken the decision after closely monitoring fluctuations in open market prices. He added that discussions with rice millers helped make the subsidised sales possible, with the industry extending its full support to the initiative.

The minister noted that BPT Super Fine rice, which is currently sold in the open market for around ₹62 to ₹65 per kg, is now available for ₹52 under the scheme. Similarly, BPT Raw Rice, which generally costs ₹58 to ₹60 per kg in the market, is being offered at ₹50 through the special counters.

Nadendla Manohar also said the government is in talks with the Centre to introduce toor dal (red gram) and palm oil at subsidised prices in the future. He stated that the government’s priority is to anticipate the needs of the people and provide essential commodities at affordable rates before price pressures affect consumers.

The inauguration programme was attended by Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao, Civil Supplies Director Nupur, NTR District Collector Lakshmisha, AP Rice Millers Association President Gummadi Venkateswara Rao, Jana Sena State Secretary Ammishetti Vasu and other officials.