New Delhi: The supply pressure of paddy, especially Basmati and 'A' grade varieties, has started to ease in the major markets of the key producing states, and prices are fluctuating in line with buying by millers and exporters.

During the week of December 13-19, daily arrivals of paddy in Delhi's Narela market ranged from 25,000 to 40,000 bags, and prices remained soft. The price of 1847 variety paddy fell sharply by Rs. 900 to Rs. 3000 per quintal. Meanwhile, about 5000 bags of paddy arrived daily in the Najafgarh market, and prices showed some improvement due to normal buying. In Chhattisgarh, daily arrivals in the Bhatapara and Rajim markets were 4-5 thousand bags and 1-2 thousand bags respectively. In Bhatapara, the price of Sriram paddy decreased by Rs. 200 to Rs. 3000 per quintal, while the Rajim market remained slightly firm.

In Amritsar, Punjab, daily paddy arrivals have decreased to 15-16 thousand bags, down from 80-90 thousand bags in November. The situation is similar in Tarn Taran, where 3 to 5 thousand bags of paddy are arriving daily. Prices fluctuated by Rs. 100-200 per quintal.

Normal paddy arrivals continued in the markets of Uttar Pradesh. During the week under review, daily arrivals were recorded as follows: Etah - 15-25 thousand bags, Mainpuri - 10 thousand bags, Jahangirabad - 20 thousand bags, Shahjahanpur - 10-15 thousand bags, Aligarh - 35-40 thousand bags, and Khair - 15-25 thousand bags. In Haryana's Tarawadi market, daily supply was also 15-20 thousand bags.

As far as rice is concerned, prices generally remained stable or showed an upward trend. In Bhatapara, the prices of HMT, Shriram, and Vishnu Bhog rice increased by ₹100, ₹300, and ₹500 respectively, reaching ₹5300 per quintal, ₹6500 per quintal, and ₹13,000 per quintal. Strong demand was observed from both domestic traders and exporters. Prices improved by ₹50-75 in Bundi, Rajasthan. Prices remained stable in Nagar Mandi (Uttarakhand), Karnal Mandi (Haryana), and Naya Bazar (Delhi).