Surge in onion prices. (Represntational Image)
Kurnool: A quintal of onions in the Kurnool onion market is currently fetching between ₹2,500 to ₹3,500. This has made onion farmers happy, particularly because last year, onion prices had been only ₹500 to ₹1,000 per quintal. Farmers had then been quite distressed.
Onion prices are expected to rise further in the coming days.
Onion prices have been skyrocketing across the country. A kilogram that cost ₹20–₹30 just a few months ago is now selling for ₹45–₹50. This sharp increase of over 50 per cent is causing concern among consumers.
In open markets, onions are being sold for ₹50 per kg, while in Rythu Bazaars, their price is ranging from ₹42 to ₹45 per kg.
Typically, onion prices rise in September due to severe rainy conditions because of the southwest monsoon. But this year, the surge in prices has begun began earlier, as the onion crop in Maharashtra has suffered damage. Failure of the onion crop there has driven up the demand for Kurnool onions.
Further, the area under onion cultivation in Kurnool district has significantly decreased—from around 30,000 hectares to just 8,500–9,000 hectares—leading to reduced yields. This has further contributed to the price hike.
The Kurnool agriculture market yard, which usually receives 60–70 trucks of onions daily, is now witnessing arrivals of only 15–20 trucks. Traders report that another major onion market, Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, is also facing similar shortages.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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