New Delhi: Due to the off-season, arrivals of Basmati paddy and 'A' grade non-Basmati paddy remain limited, while prices fluctuate in line with demand from millers and exporters.

During the week of June 6–12, paddy supplies were recorded in markets such as Narela (Delhi), Bhatapara and Rajim (Chhattisgarh), Kota and Bundi (Rajasthan), and Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh), with slight price increases noted across various grades and varieties. Narela market received an average of 1,000–2,000 bags of paddy daily; moderate trading activity led to a price rise of ₹25–75 per quintal.

Bhatapara and Rajim markets in Chhattisgarh are witnessing good paddy arrivals. During the week under review, daily arrivals stood at 7,500 bags in Bhatapara and 9,000 bags in Rajim. Prices firmed up slightly in Rajim but remained stable in Bhatapara. Daily arrivals were 1,000 bags in Shahjahanpur and 300 bags in Jahangirabad, with prices remaining firm amidst normal trading. In Jahangirabad, the price of '1509' variety paddy rose by ₹300 to reach ₹3,620 per quintal. Similarly, daily arrivals were 2,000 bags in Bundi market and 550–650 bags in Kota. Prices remained stable in Kota but softened by ₹100 in Bundi.

As for rice, exports from India to countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region are being partially affected by continued uncertainty regarding ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, prices have remained stable in some key centers, while a softening trend has been observed in others.

In Punjab, rice prices dropped by ₹150–250 per quintal. However, strong demand for rice in Uttarakhand's *mandi* (wholesale market) led to a price increase of ₹200–250 per quintal; most rice varieties and grades there saw an upward trend.

In contrast, rice trading and prices in the Bundi *mandi* remained subdued. A similar situation prevailed at Delhi's Naya Bazar, where demand for almost all rice varieties and grades was weak, resulting in a price decline of ₹150–200 per quintal. Limited fluctuations were observed in other markets.