Date: October 9, 2024 – Rice sellers across the nation are warning of a potential shortage of Nadu rice, citing unusual purchasing conditions imposed by rice mill owners. According to local vendors, these conditions require them to purchase large quantities of Keri Samba rice as a prerequisite for buying Nadu rice.
One vendor explained that to acquire 5,000 kilos of Nadu rice, they must also buy 5,000 kilos of Keri Samba from one mill and 15,000 kilos from another major mill. This strategy appears aimed at reducing the substantial stock of Keri Samba held by the rice mill owners.
Currently, the wholesale prices are set at Rs 218 per kilo for Nadu rice, Rs 228 for Samba rice, and Rs 257 for Keri Samba. Consequently, the maximum retail price for Nadu rice is expected to reach Rs 220, Samba at Rs 228, and Keri Samba at Rs 260. Vendors have expressed concern that the narrow profit margins could lead to financial losses, making it difficult for them to sustain their businesses.
In addition to the rising rice prices, egg prices have also seen an increase, with white eggs now retailing at Rs 41 and red eggs at Rs 42. While prices for rice and eggs have surged, the prices for upland and downland vegetables have reportedly decreased, according to vegetable sellers.
As the market navigates these challenges, the rice sellers are calling for immediate action to address the conditions set by mill owners to prevent further shortages of Nadu rice.
