Wheat Prices Soar: Significant Increase Ahead of Diwali, impact household budgets

In recent days, the agricultural markets across the country have experienced significant fluctuations in crop prices, particularly with wheat, which has seen a notable increase. This surge in wheat prices is making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford two meals a day. As a staple food grain, wheat plays a crucial role in the country’s food security, and the rising prices are straining household budgets.

Rising Wheat Prices

According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, the maximum price of wheat has now surpassed ₹49 per kilogram, with the average price in Delhi standing at approximately ₹31 per kilogram, while the minimum price is over ₹28 per kilogram. Although this increase is expected to burden consumers, the Ministry of Agriculture asserts that farmers are also benefiting from these higher prices.

Diwali Wheat Prices in Key Markets

As the festival of Diwali approaches, it’s important to compare the wheat prices in major markets such as Delhi, Lucknow, Indore, Jaipur, and Mumbai with those from last year’s Diwali season. Here’s a summary of the average prices per quintal:

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Wheat Arrival in October

Statistics indicate that from October 1 to 25 this year, approximately 1,052 tons of wheat were recorded in Delhi's markets, while Uttar Pradesh saw arrivals reaching nearly 450,000 metric tons. Markets in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra reported higher wheat arrivals compared to last year, increasing the availability of this essential grain in those states. Conversely, some regions witnessed a decline in arrivals. In August, many markets reported a 13% drop in wheat supply compared to the previous year, contributing to the upward trend in prices.

Rising Flour Prices

Currently, the price of flour in many areas ranges between ₹50 and ₹60 per kilogram. In Delhi, the average flour price is about ₹32 per kilogram, while in Jammu and Kashmir, it is around ₹42, ₹35 in Haryana, and approximately ₹44 in Maharashtra. As the arrival of Kharif crops increases and purchases accelerate, fluctuations in Rabi crop prices continue, especially with wheat experiencing significant price hikes. This situation is raising concerns for low-income households, while traders holding stock are reaping the benefits. 

As the market dynamics evolve, it remains to be seen how wheat prices will fluctuate in the coming days and what impact these changes will have on both consumers and farmers.
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