AgriGuru News - Increased Paddy Production Expected Amid Favorable Monsoon, Experts Urge Policy Revisions

In most paddy-producing areas, except Haryana and Punjab, there has been excellent monsoon rainfall, particularly boosting the production of non-Basmati paddy. Planting is ahead of last year’s schedule, promising a significant increase in yield. Despite the lack of rainfall in Punjab and Haryana, these canal-irrigated regions benefit from sufficient water in the running rivers.

Given this favorable scenario, the Central Government faces mounting pressure to lift the ban on non-Basmati rice imports and remove the export duty. Additionally, stakeholders are calling for the abolition of the minimum export price for Basmati rice, currently set at $950 per ton.

An agriculture expert, who has been advocating for Basmati farmers in Madhya Pradesh, possesses ground-level insights and is actively working towards policy changes, sources indicate. Presently, there is no significant arrival of Basmati rice; however, apart from the 1509 variety, some low-priced varieties from Uttar Pradesh are entering the market. The price of Sella rice is around 2000-2050 per quintal.

Paddy arrivals are expected to increase in the coming days. If government policies remain unchanged, farmers will be forced to sell their crops at throwaway prices, undermining the support price. Experts suggest that trade and industry do not have substantial stockpiles, hence the likelihood of a significant downturn in Basmati rice prices is minimal.