The Andhra Pradesh government has announced good news for ration cardholders as prices of essential commodities continue to rise. In response to the increased market prices, the government has been providing subsidized cooking oil and pigeon pea (toor dal) through Rythu Bazaars. Currently, pigeon pea is available at Rs.110 per kg in these markets, compared to Rs.180 per kg in the open market.
Starting in November, the state will add pigeon pea and sugar to the list of items distributed along with rice. Tenders for this distribution were floated two months ago, and goods have been arriving at warehouses since last month. Ration cardholders will be eligible for these items from November. The new coalition government has updated the list of contractors, ensuring quality goods and accurate weight for all supplies.
Pigeon Pea at Rs.67 per kg
Starting next month, all cardholders will receive pigeon pea at Rs.67 per kg and sugar along with their rationed items. Sugar will be available at Rs.14 per kg for AAY cardholders, and at Rs.17 per half kg for others. The government aims to provide pigeon pea to all cardholders monthly.
Furthermore, AP has significantly reduced the prices of pigeon pea and sugar. In the open market, pigeon pea ranges from Rs.150 to Rs.180 per kg, depending on quality. The government will supply it at a subsidized rate of Rs.67 per kg. While market sugar is over Rs.50 per kg, the civil supplies department will offer half a kilo at Rs.17. This move aligns with the state’s broader measures to control essential commodity prices.
With Dussehra recently celebrated and Diwali approaching at the end of the month, the government made this decision. In addition to pigeon pea and sugar, wheat flour, millet, and sorghum will also be added to ration supplies, with plans to begin distributing these items by January.