Due to GST reform and lack of availability in the states where rice reaches Kerala, the price of rice in the public market is soaring. In a month, it has increased from Rs 6 to 10.
Jyothy rice, which was Rs 40, has become Rs 49-50. 37-40 should be paid for Matta rice which was Rs.33. Cost of Kurua rice rose from Rs 28 to 34 and Surekha from Rs 35 to 45. Rs 56-60 is for Jaya rice.
Branded rice prices also increased sharply. Noorjahan rice from Bengal fetches Rs 35–40 in the wholesale market. Matta rice is Rs 60-63. The main reason for the increase in the price of branded rice is the central government’s imposition of five percent GST on packs of up to 25 kg.
A sharp decline in paddy production in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also contributed to the crisis. The export of large quantities of rice to Sri Lanka also led to reduced quantity of rice to Kerala. The relief is that the rice produced in Kerala is stored by the government and delivered to the people through the public distribution system. In addition to 35 kg for AAY card, 5 kg per person is free in ration shop.
The BPL card also gets five kgs at Rs 2 per person in addition to the 50 kilos of the Centre. The state government also provides two kgs of rice at the rate of 4 Rs per member for the subsidy card. The price for the non-subsidized category is Rs 10.9.
