Rice prices soar 65% in surplus Telangana, squeezing household budgets. Rice prices in Telangana have surged despite the state being one of India’s largest paddy producers, squeezing household budgets and raising questions over market dynamics in a rice-surplus state. Wholesale prices of Sona rice have jumped by more than 65% over the past year, while rice inflation has accelerated sharply, turning a staple food into a growing burden for consumers.