Due to the huge stock of rice, there is less hope of a rise in prices

05-May-2025 08:05 PM

New Delhi. There is ample stock of rice in the central pool, and its supply and availability in the domestic market remains smooth.

Rice is being sold from government stock under the open market sale scheme, as well as through retail outlets of government agencies.

State governments have been allowed to buy rice from the central pool or Food Corporation of India warehouses, and rice is also being provided to ethanol manufacturers at subsidized rates.

After the conclusion of government procurement of Kharif paddy, the procurement of Rabi paddy has begun. From October 2024 to April 2025, the government procured a total of 471.94 lakh tonnes of rice-equivalent paddy.

Of this, a little over 11 lakh tonnes were procured during the current Rabi marketing season. In the same period last year, the total procurement stood at 471.14 lakh tonnes. Additionally, adequate stocks of rice are available with millers, processors, and traders.

The performance of rice exports from the country has also been satisfactory. In the domestic market, rice prices have remained stable within a narrow range, showing only limited fluctuations.

Exporters are able to source rice in sufficient quantity at reasonable prices from the domestic market, enabling them to keep export offer prices attractive and competitive.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and other welfare schemes, approximately 400 lakh tonnes of rice are needed annually. It is essential to maintain at least 135 lakh tonnes of rice in the central pool as of April 1.

The government already had a large back stock of rice, and with 472 lakh tonnes already procured, the stock is expected to increase further as procurement continues.

Overall, the supply and availability of rice remain very comfortable, and prices are largely stable. There is little expectation of any significant or unexpected increase in rice prices in the near future.