The Central Government is preparing to restart the sale of subsidised Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice after a gap of more than a year, aiming to provide consumers with affordable food grains ahead of the festive season and amid concerns over the possible impact of El Niño on the ongoing kharif crop.
The Bharat brand of essential food items was introduced in 2023 to offer wheat flour, rice and pulses at subsidised prices but was discontinued in April 2025. The programme is now set to return under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) Policy for 2026–27.
According to official communication, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has authorised the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to supply 50,000 tonnes of wheat and 3 lakh tonnes of rice to central cooperative organisations for retail distribution under the Bharat brand.
The government has fixed the maximum retail price of Bharat Atta at ₹32 per kg for the 2026–27 period. Bharat Rice will be sold at ₹35 per kg for 5 kg and 10 kg packs, and ₹33 per kg for 30 kg packs until October 31. From November 1, the prices will be revised to ₹36 per kg for smaller packs and ₹34 per kg for 30 kg packs.
The move comes at a time when retail wheat flour prices have risen by nearly 6–7% over the past month. However, industry experts believe the current allocation may have only a limited impact on market prices, noting that the government is likely to adopt a cautious approach until there is greater clarity on the effects of El Niño on agricultural production.
The relaunch is expected to improve the availability of affordable staples while helping ease the burden of rising food costs for consumers during the upcoming festive season.
