Ahead of Onam, Kerala govt to release 1.66 MT of rice; ₹53-crore free kit scheme to benefit over 6 lakh families
The Kerala government has announced a series of measures to control food prices ahead of the Onam festival, including the release of large quantities of rice and wheat. Additionally, a free kit scheme will provide essential commodities to over 600,000 low-income families.
Why it matters
Government market intervention during festive seasons is a key economic strategy to mitigate inflation and support food security for vulnerable populations.
Kerala’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob has announced that the Food and Civil Supplies Department and Supplyco have entered the final phase of preparations for the Onam season, with a series of measures aimed at controlling food prices and ensuring the availability of essential commodities.
In order to curb the rise in rice prices during the festive season, the government will release 1,65,932 metric tonnes (MT) of rice and 24,506 MT of wheat into the market.
A special rice distribution scheme for non-priority ration card holders will commence in August. Under the scheme, blue card holders will receive 3 kg of rice at ₹10.90 per kg and 2 kg of wheat at ₹8.70 per kg, the Minister announced at a meet-the-press programme at the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on Monday (July 27, 2026).
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