Stories
Rice Price Hike: Another Shock To Public As Rates Surge For 4th Time In 4 Months
- •Rice prices in the state have risen significantly for the fourth consecutive month due to below-normal rainfall and shrinking paddy cultivation areas.
- •Sona Masuri rice prices have increased from Rs. 70-75 to Rs. 83-88 per kg, hitting middle-class families the hardest.
- •Premium rice varieties like Basmati, Jeera, and Rajamudi have also seen steep price hikes ranging between Rs. 15 to Rs. 25 per kg.
- •Toor dal prices have skyrocketed from around Rs. 110 to Rs. 150 per kg, further increasing the financial burden on households.
- •Market experts state that prices are unlikely to drop until supply improves with the arrival of the new paddy harvest.
Key Questions Answered
Below-normal rainfall has severely reduced water levels in reservoirs, leading to shrinking paddy cultivation areas and a massive drop in yields across the state. With irrigation facilities reduced and old stocks depleting, market supply has failed to keep up with consumer demand.
Prices have increased across various strains: Sona Masuri rose from Rs. 70-75 to Rs. 83-88 per kg, Basmati went from Rs. 105 to Rs. 120 per kg, Jeera rice climbed from Rs. 115 to Rs. 125 per kg, and Rajamudi surged sharply from Rs. 125 to Rs. 150 per kg.
Following the rice price surge, the cost of toor dal has also skyrocketed, jumping from around Rs. 110 per kg to Rs. 150 per kg. This simultaneous spike in daily staples places a heavy financial burden on poor and middle-class family budgets.
