- Steady demand for premium-quality lots keep prices firm
- Quality, moisture continue to drive price differences
India’s 1509 paddy prices remained firm above INR 4,000/quintal in the week ended 17 September despite rising new-crop arrivals, supported by steady demand for premium-quality lots. However, higher moisture and uneven quality continued to create price differences across markets.
Premium 1509 prices remain firm
Premium-quality paddy continued to trade around and above INR 4,000/quintal as millers and buyers maintained demand for dry and better-quality lots. In Haryana, Ratia 1509 reached INR 4,122/quintal, up INR 80/quintal, while Nigdhu hand-paddy was at INR 4,201/quintal and combine paddy at INR 4,060/quintal. Kaithal rose to INR 4,045/quintal, Gohana to INR 4,012/quintal, and Patran to INR 4,090/quintal.
Punjab recorded firm prices for premium 1509. Sunam 1509 combine was quoted at INR 4,125/quintal, while Khanouri stood at INR 4,040/quintal, Nabha at INR 4,045/quintal, Sangrur at INR 4,050/quintal, and Budhlada at INR 4,036/quintal. Other markets also remained supported, with Muktsar around INR 4,000/quintal and Patran at INR 4,090/quintal.
Quality and moisture drive price differences
The market remained highly sensitive to paddy quality and moisture. At Kharkhoda, top 1509 with 21-23% moisture traded at INR 3,800-3,931/quintal, while medium-quality lots with 24-26% moisture were quoted lower at INR 3,680-3,750/quintal. This indicates that better-quality and relatively drier paddy continues to command a premium, while higher moisture is putting pressure on prices.
Heavy arrivals test market strength
New-crop arrivals have increased significantly across major mandis. Amritsar received around 1.25 lakh bags, while Fatehgarh Churian and Batala each recorded around 50,000 bags. Nabha received 30,000-35,000 bags, with substantial arrivals also reported in Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ladwa and Taraori. Despite these arrivals, premium 1509 prices have remained relatively firm, indicating continued buying interest for suitable-quality paddy.
Prices in Uttar Pradesh remained below leading Haryana and Punjab markets, although selected markets recorded gains. Bulandshahr top-quality paddy reached INR 3,951/quintal, up INR 120, while Garhmukteshwar top hand-paddy stood at INR 3,901/quintal, up INR 50.
Rice prices show mixed trend
The rice segment remained mixed w-o-w. 1509 Steam Grade-A+ was quoted at INR 8,050-8,100/MT, up INR 50/MT, while Grade-A increased by INR 100/MT to INR 7,950-8,000/MT. 1718 Golden Sella Grade-A+ also rose by INR 100/MT to INR 9,550-9,600/MT. However, some Creamy Sella and Sugandha varieties declined, indicating uneven demand across qualities.
Outlook
The 1509 paddy market remains firm but quality-sensitive. Rising new-crop arrivals may pressure average and high-moisture lots, while strong miller and export demand could support premium-quality paddy. For traders, quality, moisture levels and fresh arrivals should remain key factors in evaluating the market.
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