Onion prices on the high
Posted on: 26/Aug/2015 10:07:52 AM
Onion prices are soaring in the country. As on the beginning of the week, the wholesale market price at Koyambedu for onions from Maharashtra was Rs. 60 per kg. Retailers charged Rs. 70 per kg. Sambar onions (Shallots) were Rs. 35 per kg in the wholesale market and Rs. 50 per kg at retail stores.
According to an official from the Koyambedu Market Wholesalers` Association, `The price of onions could touch 100 per kg. The onion prices had spurted due to rain deficiency of 33% to 40% from June in the Marathwada region of central Maharashtra, the single largest onion producing area in the country.`
Another wholesaler said, `I expects prices of all varieties to rise, nonetheless, because of dwindling stocks. Earlier we used to receive 1,500 tonnes from Maharashtra but now it`s down to 1,000 tonnes. The prices would definitely rise over the next few days if supply from Nashik in Maharashtra continue to drop. Prices of onions from Andhra Pradesh and Bellary in Karnataka will also go up, despite Monday`s Rs 5/kg drop, because of short supplies from Maharashtra. The Centre should step in and ensure there is regular supply from Maharashtra, failing which we will have to import onions from Pakistan. We would urge the government to import onions from Pakistan because they were of good quality and would be cheaper for both traders and consumers.`
