Ragi (finger millet) prices, especially in South India, have firmed up by Rs 200 a quintal due to projections of lower output.
However, delayed rains have kindled hopes of an average maize production in the State.
“In the absence of back-up rains, the ragi crop has been badly affected in Hosadurga and at few places in old Mysore,” B.V. Gopal Reddy, Vice-President, Karnataka Maize Merchants’ Association, told
“Late sowing is likely to see partial recovery of the crop in Nagamangala, Bellur, Adichunchangiri, Chikkanayakanahalli, Channarayapatna, Hassan.
“Late rains have revived the crop estimate in Mysore and Chamarajnagar districts,” he said.
According to the Karnataka Agriculture Department, ragi coverage (as on September 24) was down by 12.82 per cent at 6.32 lakh hectares against normal coverage of 7.25 lakh hectares.
Due to delay in crop arrival, ragi prices have firmed up by Rs 100-200 a quintal in Bangalore market in the last two weeks.
Reddy said: “Currently, superior variety (red) ragi is trading between Rs 1,600 and Rs 1,650. Ordinary variety (black) is quoting at Rs 1,500-1,550.”
“Farmers are holding substantial quantity of last year’s crop. This is the main reason for prices firming up. At present, they are waiting for new crop to release the old one,” he added.
Maize
Rains during Ganesha festival have boosted hopes of good maize output in the State.
Reddy said “With good rains in key maize growing areas, we estimate 65-70 per cent of the crop. But still, one more shower during Diwali is crucial. This year, we see about 10 per cent higher crop area but yield could be low.”
Maize coverage (as on September 24) is down by 6.22 per cent to 11.60 lakh hectares against last year’s coverage of 12.37 lakh hectares.
Post-Ganesha festival, maize prices have been unchanged and are quoting at Rs 1,600 for Bangalore delivery.
Jowar
This year, jowar arrival in Karnataka has been delayed due to late sowing. Currently, crop grown in Nandyal and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh is entering the market with prices quoted at Rs 1,450-1,550.
“Since the kharif jowar did not materialise in central and north Karnataka, farmers are preparing for rabi sowing at present,” said Reddy.