Govt to sell wheat and rice in open market

New Delhi: In a bid to tackle the rising prices in the country, Union Government has decided to sell wheat and rice in the open market.

The government is expected to release around 30 lakh tonnes of wheat and 25 lakh tonnes of rice into the market.

The decision was made by the Empowered Group of Ministers or EGoM headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, keeping in mind the severe drought in many parts of the country.

Scanty rains have pushed up prices of food grains. With the government selling grain, Sharbati Wheat will be priced at Rs 20 per Kg, while Sehori Wheat will cost Rs 27 per Kg.

Basmati Rice could cost Rs 60 to 120 per kg depending on the quality while Kolam and Lanji varieties of rice can be bought at Rs 32 per kg.