Rohtak, Aug. 27 -- The aroma of basmati rice is bringing an early whiff of a bumper harvest to Haryana's paddy growers this season, following a sharp rise in basmati prices ahead of the peak harvesting season.

Arrivals of early maturing varieties, including PUSA 1509 and PUSA 1692, have started picking up pace in Haryana mandis, particularly in the state's Basmati-growing belt, fetching around Rs.4,000 to Rs.4,200 per quintal in some grain markets.

According to the information, this is the first time these semi-premium varieties are being sold at this price, boosting expectations that premium varieties-like Pusa 1121 moochal, Pusa 1718, and traditional basmati taraori-may fetch around 40% to 50% more than these early-maturing varieties....