Now Reading: Rice and toor dal hit new highs after 35% rain deficit in Karnataka
-
01
Rice and toor dal hit new highs after 35% rain deficit in Karnataka
Rice and toor dal prices have climbed to new highs in Karnataka following a 35% rain deficit between June and September, impacting household budgets and prompting hotels to consider raising rates. Sona Masuri rice has risen from Rs 75 to Rs 80 per kg, Basmati from Rs 110 to Rs 140, and Gulbarga fatkar toor dal from Rs 125 to Rs 145 per kg in the past ten days.
Kharif paddy was sown on only 6.2 lakh hectares against a 10-lakh-hectare target, while toor dal sowing covered 13.35 lakh hectares versus a 16-lakh-hectare target. The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha blamed delayed reservoir releases for crop failure. An ICAR scheme head estimates over 50% crop loss in paddy districts, adding that prices may stabilise only if good rains arrive by November.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Karnataka's 35% rain deficit has already pushed staple grain prices up by Rs 5 to Rs 30 per kg since August, with experts warning of more than 50% crop loss in paddy districts. Household budgets are under strain, and hotels may soon raise menu rates. The state's rice mills report that paddy procurement costs have jumped from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,700 per quintal in two months, yet the government cannot mandate lower farmgate prices. Sown area for kharif paddy at 6.2 lakh hectares is far short of the 10-lakh-hectare target, while toor dal sowing has also lagged. If good rains do not arrive by the end of November, further price rises are expected.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
