Weekly Review: Paddy & Rice
16-May-2026 09:11 PM
Sluggishness in the Paddy and Rice Market Due to Limited Trading
New Delhi: With the off-season for Basmati and 'A' Grade paddy supplies currently underway, arrivals in the country's *mandis* (wholesale markets) remain limited to only a few locations. While the arrival of general-category *Kharif* season paddy has already ceased, *Rabi* season paddy is currently arriving in some states. Cultivation for the upcoming *Kharif* paddy season is set to commence next month. Meanwhile, ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran in Central Asia—specifically the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—are impacting the export of Indian Basmati rice to Gulf nations. Consequently, during the week of May 9–15, millers, processors, and exporters showed diminished interest in procuring Basmati paddy within domestic markets. As a result, a bearish sentiment prevailed in the market. The rice segment, too, failed to witness any significant upward price momentum.
Delhi
During the week under review, the Narela *mandi* in Delhi witnessed an average daily arrival of 1,000–2,000 bags of paddy. Amidst limited trading activity, the price of '1509 Combine' variety paddy declined by ₹100 to settle at ₹4,300 per quintal. In Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, daily paddy arrivals ranged between 4,500 and 6,500 bags; prices fluctuated within a range of ₹100–200 per quintal—rising or falling—in response to buyer demand. However, at the Rajim *mandi*, amidst an arrival volume of 8,000–9,000 bags, the price of the 'BPT' variety paddy dropped by ₹240 per quintal.
Uttar Pradesh
In the Shahjahanpur *mandi* of Uttar Pradesh, paddy prices remained stable, supported by daily arrivals of 1,000–2,000 bags and moderate trading activity. Other *mandis* across the state remained largely deserted.
Haryana / Maharashtra
*Mandis* in Haryana also remained quiet and deserted. However, paddy arrivals are currently being recorded in the Bundi and Kota *mandis* of Rajasthan. Paddy is also arriving at the Gondia *mandi* in Maharashtra. Paddy prices remained subdued due to sluggish trading activity in Bundi and Kota.
Rice
As far as rice is concerned, prices for various varieties and grades were observed to be either stable or soft across most markets. In Amritsar, prices weakened by ₹100–200 per quintal, as neither exporters nor *Disawari* traders showed significant interest in purchasing.
Uttarakhand
The market in Nagar, Uttarakhand, remained stable, whereas rice prices in the Bundi market of Rajasthan declined by ₹100–200 per quintal. In Delhi's Naya Bazar, a decline ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 was observed in the prices of various rice varieties.