In the cereals category, Wheat remains the dominant market force with substantial arrivals exceeding 3,100 metric tonnes, trading at a steady average of ₹2,486 per quintal, comfortably above the benchmark MSP. Conversely, Bajra (Pearl Millet) and Paddy are seeing more conservative price movements, with Bajra currently trading around ₹2,460, trailing its MSP of ₹2,775. Jowar has emerged as a high-value standout, commanding market prices as high as ₹4,960 per quintal, significantly outperforming its support floor of ₹3,699, driven by robust demand for nutri-cereals.
The fiber segment continues to show resilience, with Cotton arrivals topping 2,034 metric tonnes. Market prices for the "white gold" are hovering near the ₹7,710 MSP mark, reaching peaks of ₹7,741 in various districts. This stability is crucial for Gujarat’s textile-heavy economy, providing a reliable income stream for growers despite global market fluctuations. In the oilseeds sector, Mustard has seen a massive surge in supply, with daily arrivals reaching nearly 3,900 metric tonnes and prices remaining firm at ₹6,125, surpassing the government-set MSP of ₹5,950.
However, the market for Groundnut and Sesamum reflects a tighter supply-demand gap. Groundnut is currently trading at approximately ₹7,178 per quintal, slightly below its MSP of ₹7,263, while Sesamum remains highly valued at ₹8,826, though still short of the ambitious ₹9,846 support target. Soyabean remains stable but subdued, with prices averaging ₹4,812 against an MSP of ₹5,328, signaling a period of cautious selling by farmers who may be holding back stocks in anticipation of better returns.
As the state administration monitors these price trends, the focus remains on ensuring that procurement agencies are ready to intervene should market rates for staples like Bajra and Groundnut dip further. The current market equilibrium in Gujarat highlights the efficiency of the state’s distribution network and the growing importance of crop diversification, as farmers increasingly benefit from the high market premiums of non-cereal crops like Jowar and Mustard.
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