Rice prices too high

The crisis is the outcome of a combination of factors. First, the natural calamities have caused a loss of 20 to 25 lakh tonnes of foodgrains. Second, the prices of rice have risen sharply in the international market upsetting all our calculations regarding rice import. Moreover, the diesel price hike impeded irrigation which might hit boro production this season.

The open market sale (OMS) was tried last October when the prices of rice were soaring during the month of Ramadan. But it failed to make much of an impact due, largely, to poor implementation. A number of flaws were detected and it appeared that the programme lacked both logistical support and efficiency and honesty of the rice dealers. It was reported that people in many areas were not even aware of the government move.

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So the government has to avoid the pitfalls of the first OMS operation this time around. The emphasis should be on developing an effective distribution mechanism to service the scarcity-stricken areas in particular. It is possible to procure the rice needed to run the OMS programme, but its success will depend on whether the worst-hit people are benefited by it. The government has to ensure that the designated dealers do not resort to any malpractice as was reported last year.

Shortage of foodgrains creates extra pressure when the global situation is also unfavourable. That is the kind of problem we are facing right now. So the government has to maintain a food stock for meeting any emergency and, if required, supply rice for a long time to come. Only sound planning and timely action can see us through the crisis.