Rice Prices Surge Up to 35% in Karnataka as Monsoon Deficit Halts Paddy Sowing

Bengaluru, August 2: The impact of Karnataka's rainfall deficit has now reached people's dinner plates. With paddy sowing severely curtailed, rice prices have shot up overnight — recording an increase unseen in nearly a decade. Almost all varieties of rice, including steam and Sona Masoori, have become costlier, with prices rising by as much as 35%. Both consumers and traders are feeling the strain.

How Much Have Rice Prices Risen in the Last Two Months?

Growing paddy requires adequate rainfall and irrigation. However, this season the state has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 50%, prompting farmers to postpone sowing. The fear of reduced production has driven rice prices even higher in the market.

Yashwanthpur APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee), Bengaluru's main wholesale hub, used to receive around 50 truck-loads of rice every day. Now, due to the price hike and supply drop, the number of incoming loads has fallen sharply. Traders say business is not running at expected levels.

Concern about rice production has been voiced across Karnataka and several other states due to the rainfall shortfall. If the northeast monsoon (Hingaru) also fails, rice prices could rise even further. The coming weeks are therefore likely to burn a deeper hole in consumers' pockets.