Hyderabad, Oct. 13: Rising retail rice prices are drawing private traders from other States to Telangana, where they are purchasing paddy directly from farmers at higher rates. Traders are offering advance payments to secure stocks, anticipating further price increases.
Procurement has begun in several areas even before harvesting is complete. Traders from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are visiting markets in Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Khammam and Rangareddy districts.
Depending on the variety, private traders are offering ₹4,000 to ₹4,600 per quintal. This is considerably higher than the Central government’s Minimum Support Price of ₹2,440 to ₹2,460 per quintal.
The Congress government has also announced a ₹500 bonus per quintal for seven fine rice varieties. However, private traders’ offers remain significantly higher, encouraging farmers to accept advances and sign supply agreements.
Rising Rice Prices | Private Traders Offer Faster Paddy Procurement
Paddy from the erstwhile Nizamabad, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam districts traditionally attracts strong demand. This season, traders are also securing supplies from Rangareddy district.
Traders from Maharashtra are reportedly offering advances in Moinabad, Shankarpally, Poddutur and nearby areas. Unlike government procurement centres, which have yet to begin operations this season, private traders are buying paddy without insisting on moisture levels and other quality parameters.
At government centres, officials deduct two to three kilograms of paddy per bag, citing damage and other reasons. Farmers also face waiting periods before selling their produce, prompting some to turn to private buyers.
Meanwhile, fine rice prices in Hyderabad retail markets have climbed to ₹85 to ₹90 per kilogram. Over the past 30 to 45 days, the price of a 25-kilogram bag has increased by ₹300 to ₹400.
Households and kirana store owners are concerned about the rising prices. Some fear that retail rates could reach ₹100 per kilogram in the coming days.
Increased paddy purchases by traders from other States could add further pressure on retail rice prices. The development comes as the Telangana government appeals to farmers not to cultivate paddy during the Yasangi season.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
