The prices of basmati paddy and rice are likely to remain firm this year due to estimates of lower output following erratic monsoon rainfalls in its major growing regions. Major basmati paddy growing area received much lower than needed rainfalls this season which not only hit overall sowing area but also plants in the field. The price increase might hurt exports of this aromatic rice which remained a favourable choice for consumers in Iran, Saudi Arabia and European countries. During the current season, there has been rainfall deficit in the key basmati rice producing states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana over the previous year’s monsoon season till mid-September 2017 as well as lower water reservoir levels in Uttar Pradesh. These factors can translate into lower paddy production in the current crop season, and thus the paddy prices are likely to open firm in the oncoming procurement season,