Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Telangana Rice Prices Soar as State Pursues Export Markets
Rice is becoming more expensive in Telangana.
The article says prices in shops range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per quintal.
One trader says there is not enough rice available in the market.
An expert says some traders buy fine paddy from farmers, mill it, and sell the rice for much more.
The state gives eligible people six kilograms of rice for free each month, but some households still need to buy more.
Telangana is also trying to sell its premium rice to other countries.
Some consumers and experts say the government should make rice more affordable at home before focusing on exports.
One suggestion is to sell rice at subsidised outlets.
Open-market rice prices in Telangana range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per quintal, with HMT rising from Rs 6,800 to Rs 7,600 in a week.
A wholesale trader attributed the increases to inadequate market availability, while an expert alleged some traders buy fine paddy from farmers and sell milled rice at much higher prices.
Telangana provides six kilograms of fine rice monthly to each eligible Public Distribution System beneficiary; the article estimates monthly demand at 2.058 lakh metric tonnes.
The state produced 18.5 million tonnes of rice in the previous season and is pursuing premium export markets after shipping 30,000 tonnes to the Philippines in 2025.
Consumers and experts are urging the government to address domestic affordability, including by considering subsidised rice outlets similar to Bharat Rice centres.
- Who
- Consumers, rice traders and experts in Telangana, along with the Telangana government.
- What
- Rice prices are rising as Telangana promotes premium rice exports, prompting calls for measures to make rice more affordable locally.
- When
- Prices reportedly rose during the week described in the article; Telangana shipped 30,000 tonnes to the Philippines in 2025 and discussed exports at the International World Rice Conference 2026.
- Where
- Telangana, India; the export conference was held in Manila.
- Why
- A wholesale trader cited inadequate market availability; experts also pointed to trading practices and said free monthly ration rice does not meet every household's needs.
Domestic affordability first
Export opportunity and market supply
Exports versus consumer relief
Domestic affordability first
Consumers and experts say the government should first control domestic price increases and ensure households can afford rice.
Export opportunity and market supply
The state is promoting premium rice exports and seeking long-term partnerships in international markets.
Reasons for rising prices
Domestic affordability first
An expert alleges some traders buy fine paddy from farmers, mill it, and sell the rice at much higher prices; another expert says ration allocations leave households needing open-market rice.
Export opportunity and market supply
A wholesale trader attributes the price rise to inadequate availability in the market.
- Open-market prices
- Rs 6,000–Rs 10,000 per quintal
- HMT price change
- Rose from Rs 6,800 to Rs 7,600 per quintal within a week
- PDS rice allowance
- Six kilograms of fine rice per eligible beneficiary each month
- Ration coverage
- Around 1.06 crore ration cards covering 3.43 crore beneficiaries
- Estimated monthly rice requirement
- Approximately 20.58 crore kilograms, or 2.058 lakh metric tonnes
- Previous-season production
- 18.5 million tonnes, nearly 12% of India's production, according to the article
- Philippines shipment
- 30,000 tonnes in 2025
- Proposed subsidised price
- An expert suggested rice outlets similar to Bharat Rice centres selling at Rs 35 per kg