Starch prices likely to rise

Mumbai: The starch market likely to see a marginal surge in prices over the next one month following the shortage of maize and the firming up of demand from end users. Starch rates which were ruling around Rs 850 a bag (of 50 kg) a few months back are now hovering around Rs 750-800 a bag. However, since the new maize crop is expected only in October, market sources said that starch could witness upward pressure. The market has stabilised at the current levels over the last three weeks.