Rice Prices Soar in Telangana: Premium Varieties Cross ₹83 per Kg

Rice prices in Telangana have witnessed a sharp increase over the past four months, putting additional pressure on household budgets. The price of fine rice, which was previously available at around ₹50–₹55 per kg, has now climbed to ₹65–₹83.50. Even lower-quality varieties are selling for more than ₹60 per kg, while broken rice prices have increased from ₹20 to ₹30 per kg. Among the popular varieties, JSR Premium Kolam is priced at ₹83.50 per kg, JSR Raw Rice at ₹74.85, Lalitha Sona Masuri at ₹71.33, Kurnool Sona Masuri at ₹70 and HMT Raw Rice at ₹69. Retail prices of HMT Raw Rice have reportedly reached ₹78 per kg, up from ₹70 just a fortnight ago.

Several factors are contributing to the price rise, including concerns over El Niño's impact on paddy production, increased demand from other states and declining availability in local markets. Paddy cultivation in Telangana reportedly fell from 92.17 lakh acres last year to 78.23 lakh acres this year. Traders from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are purchasing fine-quality paddy, which is subsequently supplied to major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Changes in millers' payment practices, limited government rice stocks and alleged irregularities in custom milling rice operations have also raised concerns. A vigilance report reportedly identified missing paddy stocks worth around ₹2,000 crore. With prices continuing to rise, consumers are looking to the government for measures to improve supply and stabilise the market.