States can buy rice from FCI at Rs 2,800 per quintal: Pralhad Joshi

States can directly buy rice from the Food Corporation of India at Rs 2,800 per quintal without participating in the e-auction if they need it for their welfare schemes, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday. The Centre last year did not provide rice to states because of apprehensions of lower output in view of poor monsoon rains. Karnataka had demanded rice last year for its welfare scheme but the request was rejected. In June 2023, the Centre discontinued the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) to state governments. Addressing a press conference here, Joshi said, "States can directly buy rice from central pool at Rs 2800 per quintal. They do not need to participate in the e-auction process." He said there has been no demand so far from any state. According to an official statement, States can purchase rice from Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) without .