Soaring Price Of Rice Hits Home Budgets
Rice Prices Surge in Vijayawada: Over the past three years, prices of super fine Kurnool Sona rice have risen by 40%, with current rates reaching ₹65/kg from ₹44/kg in June 2021. Despite MSP for paddy increasing by 15%, farmers decry that millers sell rice at triple the production cost. With rice being a staple and in high demand, locals express discontent over the escalating costs, urging for price controls.
Vijayawada: Price of super fine variety rice has increased 40% in the last three years in the state. The state produces 130 lakh ton paddy every year. Paddy is cultivated in 16.5 lakh hectares in the state. Rice produced in the state has huge demand across the country and varieties like Kurnool Sona, Sona Masuri, Samba Masuri are exported as well. Rice is the staple food in the state and people prefer consuming super fine varieties despite receiving rice supplied by public distribution system (PDS).Superfine Kurnool Sona rice priced at ₹44/kg in June 2021 is now being sold for ₹.65/kg. Branded rice costs almost 20% more than unbranded variety. People are unhappy over price increase. “We can avoid dal if it becomes costly. But we cannot skip having rice. We are affected by rise in rice price. Millers and traders are increasing the price. There should be a mechanism to control this,” said K Rama Devi, a home maker.MSP for paddy has gone up by 15% in the last three years. Procurement price of fine variety paddy is ₹2,203 per quintal for fine variety in 2023. Farmers said millers and traders are selling rice at almost three times the price of production. “Investment in paddy cultivation has increased significantly. Shortage of manpower and high cost of pesticides and compost escalated production cost. MSP announced by govt is not profitable. While farmers are facing losses, it is rice millers and traders who are enjoying huge profits,” said M Ranga Babu, leader of a farmers’ in Avanigadda.
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