Unseasonal weather makes wheat prices rise in MP

Bhopal, Mar 31 (UNI) Spiralling of Madhya Pradesh's wheat prices, in the wake of hailstorms and unseasonal showers, have caused anxiety to consumers and buyers.

Reports reaching UNI, from different parts of the state, said general varieties witnessed an increase of Rs 50-Rs 300 per quintal while finer varieties were dearer by Rs 500-Rs 700. Along with wheat, prices of gram and pulses were also on the rise.

The weather has disturbed the farmer and purchaser alike.

Peasants are finding it hard to sell produce as the small and black grains have lost shine. Traders presume that prices might not abate until the third week of April as wheat is yet to arrive from Haryana and Punjab.

The state government announced a support price of Rs 650 per quintal but regular purchase was yet to get underway. In the A-category principal agri produce markets, general variety wheat was selling for Rs 700-Rs 750 while the usual rate was Rs 600-Rs 650.

''Food grain market activity is being affected by some speculators active through syndicates. Such persons are attempting to control the market through the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange and National Multi-Commodity Exchange,'' Madhya Pradesh Grain, Pulses and Oilseed Traders' Association President Gopal Das Agrawal told UNI.

According to Bhopal market grain trader Rajesh Jain general-quality 'Lokwan' wheat was selling at Rs 750-800 while the usual rate used to be Rs 650.

''Likewise, polished 'Lokwan' was going for Rs 800-900 and mill-quality general wheat is priced at Rs 700 while the rate never previously exceeded Rs 600,'' he added.

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