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Informist, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

 

By Shreya Shetty

 

MUMBAI – Prices of grains were unchanged in key spot markets across the country, traders said. Wheat prices are likely to be range-bound as the market waits for more information on the government's open market sales scheme, they said. Prices of maize were unchanged amid steady demand from the poultry industry and the ethanol sector. Rice prices were also steady on ample availability, they said.

 

Prices of WHEAT in Kota, Rajasthan, were steady at INR 2,525-INR 2,580 per 100 kg, said Ravi Mehta, a local trader. Prices are unchanged amid stable demand for the grain, he said. Prices are likely to be range-bound until the government offers more clarity on open market sales, he said. The sales were suspended abruptly in the second week of December. "The market is likely to receive more clarity regarding open market sales after Jan. 15," Mehta said. "If the government decides to keep it suspended, then prices could increase."

 

The Food Corp. of India had started wheat auctions for the rabi marketing season 2025–26 (Apr-Mar) on Nov. 12, but only two auctions have been held after it shifted to fortnightly auctions from weekly ones due to weak sales and poor buying interest from millers and processors amid ample market supply. The government ultimately suspended the auctions on Dec. 10.

 

The price of wheat in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was unchanged at INR 2,880 per 100 kg, said local trader Gaurav Kochar. The price of the grain in the Vashi market in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, was also steady at INR 2,925 per 100 kg, said Devendra Vora, a wholesale trader.

 

Meanwhile, sowing of wheat in the current rabi season has been almost wrapped up, Kochar said. Despite excessive rainfall in September and October, wheat sowing has progressed smoothly, with no delay, he said. Arrivals of the new crop are expected to start by February in Gujarat and by March in Madhya Pradesh, he said.

 

The price of MAIZE in Indore was unchanged at INR 1,800 per 100 kg, Kochar said. Rabi maize sowing is "99% complete", Kochar said, adding that the final acreage is likely to remain largely the same as last year. Prices of maize in Davanagere, Karnataka, were also steady at INR 1,700-INR 1,900 per 100 kg due to the lack of fresh cues, said Shiva Kumar, a local trader. Arrivals in the market were unchanged at 2,000 bags (1 bag = 60 kg).

 

Prices of major varieties of RICE were unchanged in Vashi, Vora said. The prices of the 1401 and 1121 basmati varieties were unchanged at INR 7,800-INR 8,000 per 100 kg and INR 8,400-INR 8,800 per 100 kg, respectively, Vora said. Prices are likely to remain steady in the near term due to comfortable supplies, with ample arrivals and stocks with the government, he said.

 

The FCI sold 2.34 million tonnes of rice as of Nov. 18 to private parties, co-operatives, and small traders through e-auction under the open market sales scheme, the consumer affairs ministry said in its year-end review. Additionally, 3.17 million tonnes of rice were sold as of Nov. 18 directly to state governments, state agencies, and community kitchens without e-auction participation.

 

Prices of sona masoori rice, a premium non-basmati variety of rice, were also unchanged at INR 5,600-INR 5,800 per 100 kg at Bhavanipuram in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, said Ravi Shankar, a trader. Prices were unchanged due to low trade in the market owing to lack of demand, he said.  End

 

Edited by Nishant Maher

 

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