Premium rice varieties see 50% price surge on production concerns

Prices of premium rice varieties including Ponni, Sona Masuri and BPT have surged by 50% as production concerns mount across southern India. The sharp increase is driven by a significant reduction in the area sown under these high-value varieties, primarily caused by deficit rainfall in the region.

Farmers have reduced cultivation of premium rice types due to water scarcity, leading to expectations of lower output. The supply squeeze has pushed retail and wholesale prices upward, affecting both consumers and traders.