New Delhi: The market is currently in the off-season for the supply of Basmati and 'A' grade non-Basmati paddy, with arrivals limited to specific mandis (wholesale markets) across the country. These include Narela, Bhatapara, Rajim, Jahangirabad, Shahjahanpur, Khair-Dibai, Dabra, Bundi, and Kota. During the week of June 27 to July 3, millers, processors, and exporters showed keen interest in purchasing select paddy varieties, leading to price increases. Conversely, varieties that saw negligible trading activity experienced a softening in prices.

For instance, at the Narela mandi during the week under review, the price of '1509 Hand' paddy rose by ₹258 per quintal, '1768' by ₹239, and '1847' by ₹93 per quintal.

In Bhatapara, the price of HMT paddy softened by ₹100, while Shriram paddy saw a rise of ₹100. Meanwhile, in Rajim, despite heavy daily arrivals of 12,000 bags, prices surged due to strong demand and offtake. However, in Jahangirabad (UP), the price of '1509' paddy dropped by ₹90 per quintal. Similarly, in Shahjahanpur, the price of PR-26 paddy fell by ₹200, settling at ₹1,900–₹2,000 per quintal. Khair mandi recorded daily arrivals of 4,000–5,000 bags of paddy, yet prices remained stable.

In Bundi, Rajasthan, alongside daily arrivals of 2,000 bags, the price of '1718' paddy increased by ₹150 per quintal and Pusa Basmati by ₹100 per quintal; however, the price of Sugandha paddy dropped by ₹100. Prices remained stable at the Kota mandi.

As for rice, strong demand was observed from both exporters and out-of-town traders, leading to a price increase of ₹100–200 per quintal across various varieties and grades. While prices rose by ₹200–300 in Amritsar, a softening of ₹50–100 was also noted for certain varieties due to sluggish trading.

Active trading of rice was witnessed in the local markets of Uttarakhand, with prices rising by ₹100–200. The price of '1121 Sela' rice surged by ₹500 to reach ₹9,500 per quintal. Similarly, in Delhi's Naya Bazar, its price jumped by ₹550 to touch ₹9,650 per quintal.