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Agriculture
Telangana rice prices climb as El Niño concerns grip market
✍️ Hyderabad Mail
🗓 29 Sep 2026, 12:02 PM
👁 12
Rice prices across Telangana have risen sharply following fears of an El Niño‑related drought, prompting worries among consumers and traders.
Rice traders in Hyderabad reported a noticeable uptick in wholesale and retail prices of common varieties after meteorological agencies warned of a possible El Niño event that could weaken the upcoming monsoon. The price surge was observed in major markets such as the Monda Market and the Kothapet grain yard, where vendors said buyers were already negotiating tighter budgets.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an early outlook indicating a higher probability of El Niño this year, which historically brings below‑normal rainfall to the Deccan plateau. Farmers in Telangana, a state heavily dependent on monsoon rains for paddy cultivation, are bracing for reduced yields, a factor that is feeding the current market anxiety.
Local wholesalers noted that the price rise, though not quantified publicly, is enough to affect household consumption patterns, especially among low‑income families that rely on rice as a staple. Consumer groups have called for the state government to monitor the situation closely and consider temporary relief measures, such as subsidised rice distribution, if the weather outlook worsens.
State officials have not yet announced any specific intervention, but the Agriculture Department confirmed it is tracking market trends and will coordinate with the Food Corporation of India to ensure adequate supply should the forecasted drought materialise.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an early outlook indicating a higher probability of El Niño this year, which historically brings below‑normal rainfall to the Deccan plateau. Farmers in Telangana, a state heavily dependent on monsoon rains for paddy cultivation, are bracing for reduced yields, a factor that is feeding the current market anxiety.
Local wholesalers noted that the price rise, though not quantified publicly, is enough to affect household consumption patterns, especially among low‑income families that rely on rice as a staple. Consumer groups have called for the state government to monitor the situation closely and consider temporary relief measures, such as subsidised rice distribution, if the weather outlook worsens.
State officials have not yet announced any specific intervention, but the Agriculture Department confirmed it is tracking market trends and will coordinate with the Food Corporation of India to ensure adequate supply should the forecasted drought materialise.