Paddy Market Rallies; Rain Disrupts Arrivals

Rainfall over the past 24 hours has disrupted crop harvesting in several paddy-growing regions across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In many affected areas, the standing paddy crop has lodged (fallen over), likely delaying the harvest. Consequently, paddy arrivals at the *mandis* (wholesale markets) are expected to remain subdued in the near term, a trend that is already reflected in prices.

On September 28, 2026, the All India Rice Exporters Association issued a letter advising rice mills nationwide to avoid panic buying of paddy. According to the association, production estimates for the current Kharif season are promising; therefore, rice mills should procure paddy strictly according to their requirements.

At Delhi's Najafgarh *mandi*, prices for 'Combine-harvested' Pusa 1509 paddy rose by ₹200 to reach ₹4,000–4,200 per quintal. Prices for hand-harvested paddy also increased by ₹100, quoted at ₹4,300–4,375 per quintal. Paddy arrivals at the market dropped to approximately 4,000 bags.

In Punjab's Mansa *mandi*, arrivals of Pusa 1509 paddy fell to around 1,000 bags. Prices for Combine-harvested paddy rose by ₹250 to ₹3,900–4,305 per quintal.

At Haryana's Jind *mandi*, prices for Combine-harvested paddy ranged from ₹4,000 to ₹4,225 per quintal, while hand-harvested paddy reached ₹4,371 per quintal.

In Rajasthan's Kota *mandi*, paddy arrivals declined to approximately 450 bags. Prices here rose by ₹300 to ₹3,900–4,121 per quintal. Paddy arrivals at the Bundi market stood at approximately 10,000 bags, with prices rising by ₹250 to reach ₹4,000–₹4,500 per quintal.

Prices for Pusa 1509 steam rice from the Punjab and Haryana regions were quoted at ₹7,500–₹7,600 per quintal. Golden Sela rice was priced at ₹7,400–₹7,500 per quintal, while Cream/Sela rice stood at ₹7,100–₹7,150 per quintal.

According to traders, arrivals of Pusa 1509 paddy continue in the markets of major producing states, while initial arrivals of varieties such as Parmal, Sharbati, and HR-10 have also commenced. Arrivals of Parmal paddy in Punjab and Haryana markets are expected to increase in October.

Government procurement of Parmal paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in Punjab and Haryana for the 2026-27 Kharif marketing season is set to begin on October 1, 2026. The MSP for this season has been fixed at ₹2,421 per quintal for 'Common' grade paddy and ₹2,461 per quintal for 'Grade-A' paddy.

The paddy market is currently supported by harvest delays caused by rain and a potential shortfall in new arrivals. However, once new crop arrivals increase in October and government procurement begins, the market's direction will largely depend on arrival volumes, the pace of buying, and demand from mills.