New Delhi: As the Kharif paddy supply season draws to a close, the arrival of both Basmati and non-Basmati paddy in major wholesale markets is becoming limited. In many markets, the arrival of paddy has stopped altogether. During the week of January 17-23, the Narela market in Delhi saw daily arrivals of 8,000 to 16,000 bags of paddy, and prices improved slightly amidst normal trading. In Najafgarh, the price of 1121 paddy also firmed up with daily arrivals of 4,000-6,000 bags.

In the Bhatapara and Rajim markets of Chhattisgarh, the average daily arrival of paddy was 5,000 bags each, and trading remained normal. In Amritsar, Punjab, only 800 bags of paddy arrived on January 20th. There were no paddy arrivals in Fazilka and Tarn Taran.

However, various markets in Uttar Pradesh – Etah, Mainpuri, Jahangirabad, Shahjahanpur, Aligarh, and Khair – are receiving a regular and good supply of paddy. During the week under review, a good quantity of paddy arrived there, and strong demand from millers/processors and exporters led to a price increase of Rs. 100-200 per quintal.

Paddy also arrived in markets like Tarawadi, Tohana, and Gohana in Haryana, and strong buying activity resulted in a price increase of Rs. 100-200 per quintal. Kota and Bundi in Rajasthan received a large supply of paddy. Both markets saw daily arrivals of 60,000-70,000 bags each, and strong demand from buyers led to a price increase of up to Rs. 200 per quintal.

As far as rice is concerned, it witnessed excellent trading. There is good demand for both Basmati and coarse rice in major importing countries. In Asia, the Philippines, and in Africa, the government of Senegal have lifted the ban on rice imports. Meanwhile, there are indications of increased demand for rice, especially premium quality Basmati rice, in the Muslim-majority countries of the Middle East, West Asia, and the Gulf region, ahead of Ramadan. Significant price increases for rice have been recorded in Amritsar, Bundi, Karnal, and Naya Bazaar (Delhi).