Drought in Karnataka and Andhra hikes price of rice
Posted on: 09/Apr/2014 5:08:00 PM
Owing to the drought condition prevailing in states including Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the rice rates are exorbitantly increasing in Tamil Nadu. The state has been facing increased prices in rice since last year. Varieties of rice including Ponni, Puzhungal and Pacharisi have faced a hike of Rs 3 per kilo. This hike began only after Diwali last year.
The underlying reason for this price hike is the failure of monsoon rain. �Kirandhi�, a paddy crop brought from northern states is reduced in quantity. While fresh rice is sold for Rs 43 a kilo, old ones are rated Rs 48.
- Vellai ponni new rice costs Rs 48 per kilo and old ones cost Rs 54 per kilo
- Karnataka deluxe rice costs between Rs 48 and old ones Rs 50
- Kirandhi (idli) rice costs Rs 35 per kilo
- Ponni rice costs Rs 53 per kilo
Speaking to one of the rice merchants in Selam, he said there was no rain in Karnataka and Andhra last year and there were even no possibilities of rain. Furthermore hike in price is expected too, he added.
