India, July 29 -- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) sold rice to ethanol distilleries at Rs.2,250-2,320 per quintal between June 2025 and June 2026, roughly 40% below its average acquisition cost of Rs.3,720-3,889 per quintal, according to a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, replying to a question by MP Ashok Singh, said FCI dispatched 6.35 million tonnes of rice worth Rs.14,596.78 crore from its warehouses to ethanol plants over the 12-month period.

Haryana received the largest quantity among the top five recipients at 844,141 tonnes, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 838,645 tonnes, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh combined at 658,9...