At the heart of this shift is the staggering performance of Lentils (Masur) and Mustard. Lentils have emerged as the market’s high-performer, with trading prices soaring to Rs. 9,050 per quintal, a massive leap over the federal MSP of Rs. 6,700. Similarly, Mustard is commanding a healthy premium at Rs. 6,200 per quintal, comfortably outpacing its Rs. 5,950 support price. These figures suggest a robust demand that is currently outstripping local supply, providing a much-needed windfall for growers who have diversified into oilseeds and pulses.
In stark contrast, the situation for cereal growers remains precarious. Maize, despite having a set MSP of Rs. 2,400 per quintal, is languishing in the market at a mere Rs. 1,600, representing a significant loss for farmers unable to access government procurement channels. Paddy, the region's agricultural backbone, tells a similar story of stagnation; it is currently trading at Rs. 2,100 per quintal, failing to reach its designated support level of Rs. 2,369. These discrepancies point toward a logistical or structural bottleneck in the state’s procurement machinery, leaving cereal farmers exposed to the whims of private traders who are buying well below the official floor price.
Meanwhile, the perishables market is characterized by high volume and sharp fluctuations. Onions and Potatoes dominate the arrival charts, with 162 and 206 metric tonnes respectively flowing into state mandis. Onion prices have stabilized around Rs. 2,103, while Potatoes remain the most affordable staple at Rs. 1,252 per quintal. Tomatoes, however, show the highest price volatility among vegetables, currently trading at Rs. 2,358. As the season progresses, the widening gap between the MSP and actual market realizations for grains will likely put pressure on administrative bodies to intervene, ensuring that the federal promise of price security translates into tangible income for Assam’s farming community.
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