Fresh wheat arrives in Saurashtra

Inspite of a foggy weather continuing in Gujarat, the Saurashtra region witnessed arrival of new crops at various centers. While Rajkot itself saw 400-500 bags of fresh wheat, around 2,000 bags arrived in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the region. However, the new crop are priced more or less same as compared to last year.

In last few days, APMCs in areas like Rajkot, Keshod, Junagadh, Veraval and Gondal of Saurashtra have replenished their stock of wheat. On an average 1,500-2,000 bags, with one bag of 50 kg each, has been arriving daily in these markets. A 20 kg bag of new crop of wheat is priced around Rs 220-250 per bag while old wheat, which arrives 10,000-12,000 bags per day, is priced at Rs 235-255.

Among the wheat varieties, the Lokvan variety and Tukda variety are priced at Rs 215-240 in areas like Junagadh and Keshod. Talking about the new crop arrival, a Rajkot-based trader said, "This time the new arrivals have been quite early and their quality is also not so good. This may affect the current price. However, in mid-February new wheat arrivals will be increase, which may bring down prices as the market will start feeling pressure of stock."

Junagadh-based Hakabhai Chovatia of Karamsi Keshavji and Company said, "Quality of new wheat is not so good at this time but will get better in February. Due to foggy and bad weather, wheat crop has been facing some difficulties in the Saurashtra. Prices have also not been so higher this time as recession has been hurting peoples buying power."

According to traders, the area under wheat cultivation in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar and Kutch has been 111,021 hectares, 38,750 hectares, 57,920 hectares, 207,775 hectares, 34,350 hectares, 18,575 hectares, 1,150 hectares and 20,075 hectares, respectively.