AP’s PDS Rice Model Goes Nationwide, Broken Grains Capped at 10%

The Centre has decided to extend nationwide from next month Andhra Pradesh’s successful policy of restricting the proportion of broken grains in rice supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS) to a maximum of 10%, State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar said.

Manohar made the announcement after concluding his two-day visit to Delhi, describing the Centre’s decision as a significant recognition of Andhra Pradesh’s pilot initiative. The state had introduced the measure to improve the quality and acceptability of PDS rice and encourage greater consumption among beneficiaries. Following its successful implementation, the Centre has now decided to adopt the model across all states covered by the PDS.

According to the minister, Andhra Pradesh has demonstrated that maintaining the broken-grain content at 10% can help ensure better-quality rice reaches beneficiaries through ration shops. The Centre is expected to issue formal orders next month. Manohar said the move could bring a major change to the PDS distribution system, which has operated in its present broad framework for nearly three decades.

The minister also outlined several measures aimed at keeping essential commodities affordable. With onion prices rising in the open market amid El Niño-related and other weather conditions, the Centre has responded positively to a proposal to supply onions in Andhra Pradesh at a subsidised rate of Rs 32 per kg from next week. The onions will be sold through 115 Rythu Bazars and mobile counters across the state, following directions from Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu.

In addition, the state has secured an agreement for 1.2 lakh tonnes of tur dal and 86,400 kilolitres of palm oil at subsidised rates following discussions with the Centre. The commodities will be supplied through ration shops to ration-card holders at prices around 30% below open-market rates, benefiting nearly 1.4 lakh families.

Manohar further announced plans to establish 1,000 ‘Mee Marts’ in collaboration with the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF). Agreements for the outlets have been completed, while another 130 are being prepared for launch. The proposal will be placed before Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for statewide implementation.

Meanwhile, the Civil Supplies Department has set a target of procuring around 38 lakh tonnes of paddy during the upcoming Kharif season, with arrangements being made to ensure smooth procurement and minimise difficulties for farmers.