Tamil Nadu considers subsidized rice sales amid rising food prices

Rising prices for essential food commodities are straining household budgets in Tamil Nadu, particularly as families prepare for the upcoming Deepavali festive season. Costs for staples such as rice, pulses, jaggery, and chickpeas have increased significantly due to reduced supplies, changing weather conditions, and seasonal demand. Specifically, some pulses have seen increases of up to Rs 30 per kilogram, while chickpeas have reportedly risen by as much as Rs 50 per kilogram.

In response to the rising cost of living, the Tamil Nadu government is considering a relief measure to sell rice through cooperative stores at prices between Rs 40 and Rs 50 per kg. This follows a trend where rice prices have climbed from Rs 50–60 per kg in August to between Rs 70 and Rs 80 per kg recently.

Food Minister Venkataramanan recently chaired a price monitoring committee meeting to discuss interventions. The proposed plan involves procuring rice from the Food Corporation of India and other states. Officials are currently assessing procurement costs and availability, with plans to launch the lower-priced sales once a supply of one lakh tonnes of rice can be confirmed.