Higher basmati price this year brings cheer to Haryana farmers

Karnal, November 23

Basmati varieties, which had disappointed farmers last year with low prices and forced them to reduce the area under these, have given them a reason to smile by fetching good prices this year.

The prices are a relief to the farmers who have witnessed low yield of the PR varieties.

Agri experts say due to less area under these varieties, the demand has increased and the varieties are fetching good prices. “Usually area under paddy cultivation in the district remains 1.70 lakh hectares comprising 60 per cent of non-basmati and 40 per cent of basmati, but this year, the area of basmati was reduced by 5-10 per cent,” said an official of the Agriculture Department.

With the good prices, the farmers are also happy. Vijay Setia, former president, All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), said: “There should be a regulatory system for the basmati growing areas for consistence and fair prices to the farmers.” —TNS

New rates

The C-30 variety is being procured between Rs4,100 and Rs4,300/quintal in comparison to Rs3,500-Rs4,000/quintal last year, while 1121 is being procured between Rs4,000 and Rs4,200 in comparison to Rs2,700 and Rs3,500/quintal