Farmers of Sindhanur area are busy in preparing their lands for sowing of Paddy, one of the major cereal crops of the region. But, price uncertainties at the time of harvest which the farmers are experiencing has kept them in bay and are in a fix to decide about sowing. In order to help the farmers, the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell, Department of Agribusiness Management, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad undertook a study to come up with reliable price forecasts of Paddy in Sindhanur market at the time of harvest.

            The 23 years monthly modal price data from Sindhanur regulated market were collected and analyzed using time series models and the prices for Paddy in Sindhanur market for the months of February- April of the year 2014 were forecast.  The opinions of experienced traders in Paddy marketing, agricultural scientists and progressive farmers of the region were collected to fine tune the forecast prices.  The prices in other major markets for this crop were also collected to come up with accurate price forecasts.           According to the study conducted by using 23 years monthly Paddy price data from Sindhanur regulated market and keeping in view of the opinions and suggestions of the experienced persons in this crop, the prices of this crop for Sindhanur market is expected to range between Rs. 1900-2200 per quintal during February- April months. The minimum support price announced by the union government is Rs. 1310 per quintal for common Paddy and Rs. 1345 per quintal for Grade ‘A’ Paddy. Cleaned, well dried, Chafee less grains are going to fetch higher prices. So farmers are advised to keep all these suggestions in mind while cultivating and preparing the product for the market.