Ludhiana: The Machhiwara grain market has begun receiving early varieties of Basmati rice 1509.
The formal procurement process was inaugurated on Tuesday by Mohit Kundra, President of the Arhati Association, and Sukhwinder Singh Gill, Chairman of the Market Committee.
On the first day, farmer Bara Singh Mohan from Lakhanpur village brought his harvest to the market, which was purchased by Infinity Agro Industry at ₹3,021 per quintal. Similarly, GN Overseas and Lakshmi Rice Mill procured rice through Ludhraa & Sons and Ludhraa Brothers Arhatis at ₹3,111 per quintal. Bara Singh reported sowing the early Basmati variety and harvested approximately 20–22 quintals, earning an average rate of around ₹3,000 per quintal.
Moit Kundra, Arhati Association President, stated that Basmati rice prices in Machhiwara market currently range between ₹3,000 and ₹3,200 per quintal, higher than other regional markets. He added that the larger area under Basmati cultivation in Machhiwara and the presence of multiple private buyers are helping farmers secure better prices.
Despite challenges caused by recent flooding, the price trend for this year is significantly better compared to last year, when rates ranged between ₹2,500 and ₹2,600 per quintal. This year, rates have reached up to ₹3,200 per quintal.
