Rice prices rise across varieties in Nagpur in two months, straining household budgets
Kolam rice has reached about Rs 75 a kg and non-basmati varieties are 20 to 25 per cent dearer, adding to the strain from costlier onions and edible oil.
Ordinary households in Nagpur district were already coping with inflation, and rising rice prices have now added to the pressure on kitchen budgets. Onion and edible oil prices were already high, and the surge in rice has upset the monthly household budget further.
Prices of several major rice varieties have risen notably in the market over the past two months. Kolam rice, the most widely used variety, has reached about Rs 75 a kg. About two months ago it was selling at Rs 55 to Rs 60 a kg.
Jai Shri Ram rice has also become dearer. It is now selling at about Rs 80 a kg, against around Rs 65 a kg two months ago. At another outlet, the earlier price of the same rice was given as Rs 65 to Rs 70.
Durgesh Gupta, a grocery trader in Nagpur district, said premium varieties are not far behind in this rise. According to him, the price of Chinnor rice has gone above Rs 100 to Rs 110 a kg. Families who prefer better quality or a special variety are also feeling the effect.
Basmati rice prices are reported to have risen by about 15 to 20 per cent, while non-basmati rice has become 20 to 25 per cent costlier. Rice is a staple of the meal, so the continued rise in its price directly affects household budgets.
Explaining the reason, Kamlakar Ghatole, a grain trader in Nagpur district, said the monsoon was weak and rainfall was low in several parts, including Vidarbha. This has affected the availability and price of rice. He said the weather has put pressure on production and supply, and prices in the market remain high.
Wholesale prices have eased slightly, but retail prices have gone up. Rice's share in retail inflation has reached about 5.88 per cent. The rise in rice prices therefore affects the overall inflation figures as well as the household spending of ordinary customers.
Broken rice (kanki) is in the same situation. Kanki that earlier sold for Rs 30 to Rs 40 has now reached Rs 50 to Rs 55 a kg. Families thus have to spend more than before on rice alone. The rise in prices of essentials such as onion and edible oil was already a worry, and rice is now also affecting daily expenses.
