Wheat pices extend fall; maize stays flat amid weak Demand

Muted buying sentiment across mandis keeps cereals under pressure amid ample arrivals and comfortable supplies

Wheat prices in Kota, Rajasthan, declined for the third straight session on Wednesday due to sluggish demand and rising arrivals, while maize prices remained steady across key spot markets as supply matched demand. Rice prices showed mixed trends, with some basmati varieties witnessing a decline amid weak domestic and export demand.

  Wheat prices in Kota fell ₹25 to ₹2,350-₹2,375 per 100 kg as arrivals increased sharply to 100,000 bags from 65,000 bags a day earlier, traders said. Market sentiment remained weak as millers, traders and stockists continued to hold sufficient inventories, limiting fresh buying interest.

 “There has been very low demand this week, so prices are falling every day,” said Ravi Mehta, a Kota-based trader. He added that ample availability of wheat in the market has reduced urgency among buyers. In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, wheat prices were steady at ₹2,600 per 100 kg despite a slight decline in arrivals.  Traders said demand also remained muted, keeping prices range-bound. 

  Market participants expect arrivals to gradually decline in the coming weeks as the peak rabi arrival season has ended. However, traders believe prices are unlikely to rise significantly because of comfortable government stocks.  Gaurav Kochar, a local trader in Indore, said the Centre may begin wheat sales under the open-market sales scheme once procurement activity slows, ensuring adequate market supply.  In Navi Mumbai’s Vashi market, wheat prices held steady at ₹2,700 per 100 kg amid subdued trading activity. 

 — Informist