NIZAMABAD: The state government has not yet taken any policy decision on stabilising the skyrocketing prices of onions. People have been suffering a lot since one month due to high prices of onions, a common ingredient in food.
Neither the Marketing nor the Civil Supplies Department have yet initiated any steps to make onions available to people, whether in rural or urban areas.
Onion prices have now touched Rs 60 per kg against its normal price of below Rs 20 per kg. In addition, even inferior quality of onions is being sold at exorbitant prices.
Onions are cultivated in Nizamabad district at Dichpally, Suddulam, Narsingapur (Kothapet), Kamalapur, Rampur and Mullangi villages. While some of the farmers cultivate the crop for their self consumption, others have sold their output to the Nizamabad Agricultural Market Yard.
Usually, onion crop is sown in January and the yield is available in April. Mostly, white onions are cultivated in Nizamabad district as people prefer them. However, Nizamabad also gets onions from Nasik district of Maharashtra and Rayalaseema area of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Torrential rains in Maharashtra have adversely affected the production, leading to escalation in prices. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Assistant Director of Marketing Riyaz said onion prices will decrease once the rains stop. He disclosed that wholesalers have not procured onions from Maharashtra as the crop has been extensively damaged. Replying to a question, he said, “We will take the necessary steps as directed by the state government on onion prices.”
There are also reports of a few traders hoarding stocks of onions to make a quick buck. It is high time the state government agencies conducted raids on godowns in Nizamabad, Kamareddy and Bodhan areas, an official stated.
