New Delhi. States like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are expecting a strong inflow of recognized Basmati or equivalent long-grain rice, and export processors and traders are showing significant interest in purchasing it.

During the week of October 11-17, rice prices fluctuated between some and others, depending on demand and supply. Punjab and Haryana are also seeing a strong inflow of general-grade rice, but it is being procured from farmers by government agencies at the minimum support price.

During the week under review, rice arrivals increased to 85,000 bags at Delhi's Narela Mandi and 10,000 bags at Najafgarh Mandi. Due to some improvement in business, the prices increased by Rs. 100-150 per quintal, but the price of 1509 combine paddy in Narela decreased by Rs. 182 to Rs. 2900 per quintal.

In Bhatpara and Rajim Mandi of Chhattisgarh, there was a daily arrival of 4000-5000 bags of paddy, but in Amritsar of Punjab, the arrival reached 47,000 bags and in Tarn Taran, 33,000 bags. In various Mandis of Uttar Pradesh like Etah, Mainpuri, Jahangirabad, Shahjahanpur, Aligarh, Khair and Bijai, there is a strong arrival of paddy, but the prices are fluctuating by Rs. 50-100 per quintal.

Gohana in Haryana, Dabra in Madhya Pradesh, and Bundi and Bora in Rajasthan are also receiving good supply of paddy, but prices have declined by ₹100-₹200 per quintal.

As far as rice is concerned, trading is normal. Prices remain stable in many markets. In Amritsar, prices of some rice varieties declined by ₹50-₹100 per quintal.

Prices remained at previous levels in Rajim and the city market of Uttarakhand, indicating no significant movement in trading there. In Bundi, Rajasthan, prices of Sugandha and 1718 Sela rice fell by ₹100 each to ₹5000/₹5050 per quintal and ₹6300/₹6350 per quintal, respectively.

However, rice prices remained firm by ₹100-200 per quintal in Haryana's benchmark Karnal Mandi. Due to strong buying by traders/exporters, PR 14 steamed rice prices rose by ₹200 to ₹4,400 per quintal. Prices of 1509 steamed rice and 1718 steamed rice rose by ₹100 per quintal each.

On the other hand, rice prices in Delhi's Naya Bazaar witnessed a mixed trend. Prices of various varieties and grades of rice declined by ₹100-200 per quintal, but Sharbati Seva rice prices rose by ₹200 to ₹4,900/5,200 per quintal. Rice exports are performing well.