Prices of Premium Quality Non-Basmati Rice Surge

Hyderabad: A significant drop in the production of premium quality (A-grade) paddy is anticipated due to a reduction in cultivation area and lower yields caused by rainfall deficiency; this has created an environment of rising prices for the corresponding rice. Consequently, prices for fine and super-fine varieties—such as Sona Masuri, Ponni, and Swarna—have seen a sharp increase.

In South India, not only has the paddy cultivation area shrunk across the four major producing states—Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—but there has also been a significant deficit in monsoon rainfall. Maharashtra has also experienced scanty rainfall. Currently, prices for these rice varieties are running approximately 10% to 25% higher compared to last year.

Sona Masuri rice is highly popular and widely consumed in South India. Last year, the average price of this rice was ₹44 per kg; it has now surged by 25% to reach ₹58 per kg. Similarly, the price of Swarna rice has risen by 10% to ₹35 per kg; this variety is predominantly consumed in the eastern region.

According to industry and trade analysts, concerns regarding the supply and availability of premium-grade rice are mounting due to the anticipated drop in production. Water levels in dams and reservoirs across southern states are low due to rainfall deficits; severe flooding is being witnessed in some states, including Bihar; and certain areas in the northern region have also lacked adequate rainfall.

According to the Union Department of Consumer Affairs, the average price of rice has increased by approximately 7% compared to last year, reaching ₹46.44 per kg; however, prices for high-quality general category (non-basmati) rice have seen a notable rise. Notably, rice has become more expensive in the southern states compared to the northern region. According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture, the national-level paddy cultivation area has declined by 3.7 percent—or 1.664 million hectares—from 44.592 million hectares last year to 42.928 million hectares in the current Kharif season.