New Delhi. The peak season for harvesting and supplying Kharif paddy to the markets is currently underway, and amid a heavy inflow of both Basmati and non-Basmati rice, private firms, milling units, and government agencies are actively purchasing them. The government purchases only non-Basmati rice at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), while millers, processors, and traders also purchase Basmati rice along with the general category.

During the week from November 29th to December 5th, daily arrivals of paddy in Delhi's Narela Mandi ranged from 30,000 to 70,000 bags, and due to balanced procurement, prices registered a slight increase. 5,000-10,000 bags of paddy arrived at Najafgarh Mandi, and due to good buying, the price of 1509 hand Basmati rice increased by ₹250 to ₹3,000/₹3,200 per quintal.

Meanwhile, prices fluctuated by ₹100 per quintal in Bhatpara and Rajim Mandis in Chhattisgarh, with arrivals of 4,000-6,000 bags of paddy each day. Amritsar, Punjab, received an average daily supply of 15,000 bags of paddy, and improved trading led to a significant improvement in prices. However, prices remained relatively calm in Tarn Taran Mandi.

Various markets in Uttar Pradesh, such as Etah, Mainpuri, Aligarh, Jahangirabad, Shahjahanpur, and Khair, have been experiencing heavy arrivals for a long time, clearly indicating improved production there. However, the paddy crop in Punjab was damaged by floods and rains. This is evident from the significant decline in government procurement of non-basmati rice, and the arrival of basmati rice is also not satisfactory.

As far as rice is concerned, its prices have fluctuated according to demand and supply. The rupee's fall to its lowest level against the dollar is helping rice exporters maintain competitive export offer prices.

There was significant activity by domestic traders and exporters in the purchase of rice in Amritsar, Bundi, Naya Bazar (Delhi) and some other markets, leading to better business and higher prices.