Wheat holds near ₹2,850 support, while maize stays around ₹2,800. Check latest market trends, demand, crop arrivals, key support levels and selling signals for farmers today.
By Rajat Sharma
Wheat trades around ₹2,860-₹2,870 per quintal
₹2,850 remains wheat's key support level
Maize prices hover near ₹2,800 per quintal
Ethanol and poultry demand support maize prices
New crop arrivals will determine the next market trend
Wheat and maize prices are currently attracting the attention of farmers and traders as both commodities move around important price levels. As per market trends available on August 18, 2026, wheat is trading around ₹2,860-₹2,870 per quintal, with ₹2,850 emerging as a crucial support level. Meanwhile, maize prices are hovering near ₹2,800 per quintal, supported by strong buying from plants and continued demand from the ethanol, poultry, starch and feed industries.
The next direction of both markets will largely depend on actual demand, available stocks and the arrival of new crops. While wheat traders are watching support and resistance levels along with government and global market signals, the maize market is focused on new crop arrivals and the strength of industrial buying.
The wheat market has been witnessing a steady correction for some time. Despite this, prices have remained above the important ₹2,850 per quintal level. Wheat is currently trading in the range of around ₹2,860 to ₹2,870 per quintal.
According to market trends, ₹2,850 is an important downside support for wheat. If prices remain above this level, the market may see a recovery. On the other hand, if wheat falls below ₹2,850, further weakness could develop.
On the upside, the ₹2,870-₹2,890 range is being seen as the next important resistance zone. A sustained move above this range could potentially take wheat prices towards ₹2,900 per quintal.
The future direction of wheat prices will not depend only on local arrivals and demand. Government procurement, PDS supply, export-import policies and developments in the global market can also influence prices.
At present, market-level demand is reported to be normal, and traders are closely monitoring future government decisions and international market signals. Available wheat stocks and expected arrivals in the coming days will also remain important.
Higher arrivals could put pressure on prices, especially at elevated levels. However, if arrivals remain limited and demand continues, wheat prices may receive support.
The maize market is showing a different trend compared with wheat. Maize prices are currently hovering around ₹2,800 per quintal, supported by strong buying from plants and steady industrial demand.
Demand from ethanol plants, poultry farms, starch manufacturers and the feed industry continues to provide a strong base to the market. The ethanol sector remains particularly important for maize consumption.
According to market estimates, ethanol plants are purchasing maize at around ₹2,450 to ₹2,550 per quintal. Along with ethanol demand, continued buying from the poultry, starch and feed sectors is helping support the overall maize market.
The biggest factor for the maize market now is the arrival of the new crop. As of August 14, new maize crop arrivals were estimated at around 80.77 lakh quintals, which was lower compared with the previous year.
If fresh arrivals increase significantly in the coming days, they could put pressure on prices, particularly at higher levels. However, the availability of old stocks and continued industrial demand may limit the possibility of a sharp immediate decline.
As a result, the balance between supply and demand will be crucial in deciding the next movement in maize prices.
Market experts are watching a support zone of around ₹2,450-₹2,500 for maize. On the higher side, the ₹2,680-₹2,725 range is considered an important zone for the market.
For maize to maintain or extend its upward trend, genuine demand at higher price levels will be necessary. Strong and sustained buying from the ethanol and poultry sectors could continue to provide support to prices.
Farmers should avoid making quick selling decisions based only on a single day's market movement. Wheat farmers need to closely watch the ₹2,850 level, while maize farmers should monitor new crop arrivals and the strength of plant purchases.
Before selling their produce, farmers should consider local mandi prices, crop quality, moisture content and demand in their region. Market prices can change daily, so the latest local market rates should always be checked before making a final decision.
Overall, wheat remains near an important support zone, while maize continues to receive support from industrial demand. The coming days will show whether wheat can move towards higher resistance levels and whether increasing maize arrivals can challenge the current price strength.
Disclaimer: The prices and market levels mentioned above are based on available market trends and estimates as of the stated dates. Actual mandi prices may vary depending on location, quality, moisture content, arrivals and local demand.
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Wheat prices are holding near a crucial ₹2,850 support level, while maize remains around ₹2,800 with strong demand from ethanol, poultry, starch and feed sectors. Future price movement will depend on crop arrivals, available stocks and actual demand. Farmers should track local mandi rates, crop quality and moisture before selling. Rising maize arrivals may create pressure, while sustained demand could support both markets.
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