Higher demand for basmati from Iran and West Asia is helping farmers in Punjab and Haryana get good price for their produce this year. Although the area under paddy cultivation fell nearly 10 per cent from the previous kharif season, arrivals at grain markets have been healthy. The arrivals are good because farmers are getting good prices owing to export demand. The 1121 variety, particularly, commands very good price; the long-grained variety is popular in Iran, Iraq and elsewhere in West Asia. The demand for 1121 has lifted other basmati and non-basmati varieties as well. Arrivals at Karnal mandi this year are 30% higher than in the previous season. We have crossed the target for the season, but are are still procuring as farmers continue to bring stocks.