M Srinivasa Rao Nellore

JointCollector Mogili Venkateswarlu warned of stringent legal action against traders and millers creating artificial scarcity of essential commodities or diverting stocks to the black market on Tuesday.

Addressing a review meeting with Civil Supplies Department officials, representatives of the Rice Millers’ Association, and wholesale and retail traders at the Collectorate, JC Venkateswarlu outlined mandatory regulatory measures.

In accordance with a Central Government circular issued on November 6, all rice millers, wholesalers, and retailers must compulsorily upload their available stock details onto the official Food Stock Portal by November 13. Furthermore, traders are required to update their stock balances every Friday to maintain market transparency.

The Joint Collector highlighted that with open-market prices for premium rice reaching Rs 80 per kg, the government has launched market intervention measures to relieve consumer burden. Preferred regional varieties, specifically BPT and KNM, are being distributed at a subsidized rate of Rs 66 per kg.

Special sales counters are currently operational at Rythu Bazaars in Kavali, Gudur, Podalakur, and two locations within Nellore city. JC Venkateswarlu announced that within two to three days, subsidized rice distribution will expand across all mandal headquarters through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) in coordination with the District Cooperative Officer.

He reiterated that inspection teams will monitor traders to eliminate hoarding and ensure fair distribution.

District Civil Supplies Officer Pullaiah, Lakshminarayana, Civil Supplies Deputy Tahsildars, and key trade representatives attended the session.