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Informist, Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

By Afra Abubacker and Shreya Shetty 

NEW DELHI – Prices of key foodgrains fell in many major markets amid subdued demand and expectation of higher new crop arrivals. Wheat prices in Rajasthan fell Friday as bulk buyers held back purchases amid high-moisture content arrivals. Basmati rice prices remained under pressure as exports to West Asia continue to face uncertainty. 

WHEAT prices in Kota, Rajasthan, fell by INR 50 from Thursday to INR 2,250-INR 2,325 per 100 kg amid sluggish demand, said Ravi Mehta, a local trader. Arrivals rose by 1,000 bags to 6,000 bags (1 bag = 50 kg), he said. The market also received 2,000 bags of new wheat crop, priced lower at INR 2,100-INR 2,250 per 100 kg due to high-moisture content, he added.

Wheat market is awaiting better-quality arrivals of new crop. "Right now most new arrivals have high-moisture content, which is why they are quoted at lower rates. As arrivals increase, the quality of arrivals should eventually improve, so most buyers are waiting for that," Mehta said.  

Wheat prices are expected to fall further as new crop arrivals increase in the coming months. In the medium term, price movement will be determined on the quality of new crop arrivals. "Once arrivals start across more states, the market will see the quality level and price range will depend on that," he said. Even if quality of arrivals improve, a steep rise in demand is unlikely. Many bulk-buyers already have ample carry-over stocks from last year, and would only be prompted to purchase the new crop arrivals if prices fall sharply, he added.

The price of wheat in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was steady at INR 2,460 per 100 kg, said Gaurav Kochar, a local trader.

MAIZE prices in Davangere, Karnataka, fell by INR 50 from Thursday to INR 1,650-INR 1,750 per 100 kg amid muted demand, said Shiva Kumar, a local trader. Arrivals were steady at 2,000 bags (1 bag = 60 kg), he said. Buyers are mostly waiting for the commencement of new rabi crop arrivals, as they anticipate prices to fall further. "Prices may remain in this lower range and then fall more new crop arrivals begin," he said.

Prices of maize in Indore were steady at INR 1,715 per 100 kg, Kochar said.

Prices of 1401 and 1121 varieties of basmati RICE in Kota fell by INR 100 to INR 7,500-INR 7,700 per 100 kg, Ravi Mehta said. Uncertainity over exports came to a complete halt due to the ongoing military hostilities in West Asia are pressuring prices, Mehta said. West Asia is the top destination for exports of Indian basmati rice.

"Prices are down by INR 1 per kg again today because of the ongoing situation, and with no clarity about how long the war will last, our exports will be stuck at ports only," Mehta said. End

Edited by Deepshikha Bhardwaj

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