Faridkot, October 10: The premium quality PR-11 variety of paddy is in high demand among private traders in this region.
Its prices have soared to Rs 1,700-Rs 1,740 per quintal, as against Rs 1,590 MSP for ‘A’ grade varieties of paddy. Of 1,60,803 tonnes of paddy that arrived in the district mandis so far, about 25 per cent (39,614 tonnes) has been purchased by private traders by offering the farmers Rs 100 to Rs 150 more than the MSP. The soaring prices of basmati and its expected low production this season have given a rise to the prices of PR-11, an early ripening paddy variety. For its good length, this non-basmati variety looks premium.
Besides, using PR-11 for the “ulterior” purpose of mixing with basmati is common in this region. A large number of rice exporters are thus making brisk purchasing of PR-11 variety of paddy. Kulbir Singh Matta, a mandi board official, said it was good that farmers were getting price more than MSP. P
rivate traders – particularly rice millers – are also purchasing other varieties of paddy for the purpose of shelling and milling. Several rice mills have been installed in the region. As the Food and Supply Department allots every rice mill its quota of paddy for the milling purpose, rice millers are purchasing big to meet their target in view of decreased allotment of paddy from government agencies.
