As the festival of Holi approaches, an interesting change is being observed in the arrival of Basmati rice in the mandis. Typically, by the time of Holi, the arrival of Basmati rice has almost ended, but this year, the arrival is still ongoing in the mandis of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which is an unusual situation. In contrast, the arrival in mandis of Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi is very limited. Market analysis from the previous week reveals that due to an increase in demand from millers and exporters, the prices of rice and paddy have risen by ₹100 to ₹200 per quintal. This rise was observed throughout the week, signaling strong market demand. However, with a decline in export demand, prices have started to fall again. For instance, in the Gohana mandi of Haryana, the price of 1121 paddy decreased from ₹4300 to ₹4270 per quintal. In Delhi's Narela mandi, there has been an increase in the arrival of rice, with 5,000 to 10,000 bags being received daily. As a result, rice prices have improved. The price of 1121 paddy increased by ₹100 to ₹4100 per quintal, while the price of 1509 rice rose by ₹155 to ₹2655 per quintal. In Najeefgarh mandi, a limited arrival led to a ₹50 increase. In other mandis like Bhatarpara, Rajim, Amritsar, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, and Dhan Kaur, the arrival of rice has been minimal, and prices have remained stable. In mandis like Etah, Mainpuri, Jahangirabad, Aligarh, Gorakhpur, Shahjahanpur, and Khair, normal trading has occurred, and prices for various varieties of rice have fluctuated by ₹100 to ₹200 per quintal in both directions. In Haryana's mandis, there has been a reduction in rice supply, and prices in Tarawadi mandi have remained stable. In the mandis of Madhya Pradesh, the arrival of PB and 1886 rice continues, with good-quality PB rice priced between ₹2600 to ₹2680 per quintal, while 1886 rice is being sold at ₹2900 per quintal. Currently, there is a slight decline in India's rice export demand, mainly due to increased global competition and the onset of the Ramadan month. India is facing stiff competition from Pakistan in the export of Basmati rice, while countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Myanmar are increasing competition in the export of non-Basmati white and sela rice. However, the Indian government has lifted the export ban on broken rice, which is expected to lead to a rise in its prices. Moreover, the demand for 1718 sela rice, which had seen a slowdown in recent days, is now picking up, and its prices have increased from ₹5200 to ₹5550 per quintal.