New Delhi. The week of November 15-21 marked a significant increase in prices, despite a significant arrival of Kharif paddy (primarily Basmati and 'A' grade) in the markets, and rice prices also remained strong. Millers, processors, and exporters showed significant interest in purchasing paddy and rice.

According to available data, paddy arrivals at Delhi's Narela Mandi increased during the week under review, reaching nearly 85,000 bags on November 20, and the price of 1718 paddy jumped by ₹400 to ₹3,400 per quintal. Similarly, prices of 1121 and 1509 hand paddy also increased by up to ₹100. Najafgarh Mandi saw a daily arrival of 15,000-20,000 bags of paddy, and prices improved by ₹100-110 per quintal. Bhatpara and Rajim Mandis in Chhattisgarh are experiencing normal paddy arrivals, but prices are seeing increases of ₹100-250. Mahamaya paddy prices increased by ₹250-300.

Despite continued heavy supply of paddy in Punjab and Tarn Taran, prices remained somewhat firm or stable. In Tarn Taran, the price of 1509 paddy increased by approximately ₹200 to ₹2700/₹3150 per quintal. It is worth noting that Basmati rice does not have a minimum support price, and its price primarily depends on the supply and demand dynamics in the market.

Despite a strong arrival of paddy in various markets of Uttar Pradesh—Etah, Mainpuri, Jahangirabad, Shahjahanpur, Khair, and Aligarh—prices rose by ₹100-200 per quintal due to better offtake. The situation was similar in Dibai.

As for rice, prices remained at previous levels in some other markets, including Bhatpara and Raichur (Karnataka). However, good buying and selling in Amritsar led to a rise of ₹150-250 per quintal. Rice dal prices also increased by ₹100-225 per quintal in Bundi Mandi, Rajasthan.

Rice prices did not fluctuate significantly in the Nagar Mandi of Uttarakhand and the benchmark Karnal Mandi of Haryana. However, there was good buying and selling of rice in Delhi's Naya Bazaar, leading to a rise of ₹100-200 per quintal for most varieties and categories. Global demand for basmati rice remains strong and could increase further. With the holy month of Ramadan set to begin in February, Muslim-majority countries in the Gulf region are expected to import large quantities of basmati rice from India in December and January to meet this demand.