Hans News Service Hyderabad

Evenas Telangana recorded the highest paddy production in the country, retail prices of fine rice shot up in recent days. Hoarding of rice stocks by millers and wholesalers to create artificial shortage of fine rice is putting a heavy burden on the common man. According to traders and retailers, prices have gone up by at least Rs 5 to Rs 7 per kilogram of fine rice varieties in the last 10 days. For instance, the price of Samba Masuri (BPT), a popular fine rice variety, shot up from Rs 62 per kg to Rs 68 per kg.

It is said that millers hoarded two-year-old fine rice varieties. They are said to be selling them in the retail market at higher prices through wholesale dealers and retail agents. Some big traders have also reportedly hoarded those rice varieties which are in high demand to create artificial scarcity.

Nearly 60 lakh metric tonnes of fine varieties of paddy are being procured every year in the state. Another 10 lakh metric tonnes of fine quality paddy are being purchased by the millers from the farmers directly. In all, fine rice totaling 70 lakh metric tonnes, is produced in the state every year.

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