KOCHI: In the wake of prices of essential commodities skyrocketing, especially those of rice varieties, Supplyco has initiated measures to address the issue.
Supplyco chairman Mohammed Hanish said additional retail outlets would be opened across the state immediately. He said the Civil Supplies Corporation had taken steps to rein in the price hike, and to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential items.
Last month, there was a sharp increase in the prices of popular rice varieties like Jaya and Matta - Rs 48 and Rs 46 respectively.
According to Food and Civil Supplies Minister P Thilothaman, the price of Jaya increased due to draught in Andhra and Telangana, from where it is procured.
Supplyco has been selling Kuruva rice at Rs 25 and raw rice at Rs 23. The corporation said it had invited four tenders for Jaya and Matta since January, and procured 5.6 and 5.4 quintals, respectively.
The shortage is compensated by procuring Jaya from Gujarat and Jharkhand, and boiled rice from the FCI. Moreover, Oil Palm India is providing ‘Kuttanadan Matta’ at Rs 33.
The increase in sugar price is the result of the recent slump in sugarcane production, due to draught. Supplyco, which procured around 4,000 quintals of sugar in recent months, supplies sugar at the subsidised price of Rs 22/kg, after procuring it for more than Rs 40.