New Delhi. Due to the off-season supply, arrivals, especially of Basmati and 'A' grade non-Basmati rice, have weakened in important markets in major producing states, while demand from millers/processors and exporters is strong.

Basmati rice is in good demand in Gulf countries, while exports of regular rice are increasing in other countries. A recent contract for the export of 5,000 tons of Basmati rice to the United States has been signed, which bodes well for the future. A Supreme Court order in the United States has caused a stir.

During the week of February 14-20, between 7,000 and 10,000 bags of paddy arrived daily at Delhi's Narela market, and due to better offtake, prices increased by 50 to 130 rupees per quintal. The price of 1121 hand paddy increased by Rs 125 per quintal amid the supply of 2500-3000 bags in Najafgarh Mandi.

Normal paddy arrivals are being seen in Bhatpara and Rajim Mandis of Chhattisgarh, and prices are either stable or rising there. In Uttar Pradesh, paddy arrivals have begun to decline in markets like Etah, Mainpuri, Jahangirabad, Shahjahanpur, Aligarh, and Khair, while millers and exporters are buying it well.

As a result, prices of most varieties of paddy increased in the markets of Uttar Pradesh during the week under review. Good arrivals of paddy were recorded in Tohana and Gohana Mandis of Haryana and Kota and Bundi Mandis of Rajasthan.

As for rice, prices improved during the week under review due to improved trading. In Amritsar, Punjab, the price of different grades of rice jumped by Rs 250 to Rs 350 per quintal. In Bundi, the price of 1718 Sela rice increased by Rs 250 to reach Rs 8000/8100 per quintal. While the Karnal Mandi in Haryana remained largely stable, the price of rice in Delhi's Naya Bazaar increased by Rs 100 to Rs 300 per quintal.