Maharashtra: Onion Prices Surge in Retail Markets Despite Stable Wholesale Rates
Tikam Shekhawat
Nashik, 15th March 2024: The retail price of onions has witnessed a significant surge, ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 34 per kilogram, depending on quality, in the retail market. However, wholesale rates have remained stable at Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,600 per quintal in the Nashik area for the past month. The arrival of pre-season summer onions in the market has contributed to the fluctuations in prices.
Typically, summer onions harvested in March are not stored, unlike those harvested in May. Consequently, experts anticipate a further decline in onion prices due to increased market supply. Despite the stable purchase rates over the past month, retail prices have risen by an average of five rupees per kilogram.
In Maharashtra, onion prices have surged to Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kilogram, while in North India, they range from Rs 25 to Rs 34 per kilogram. This spike in prices comes at a time when the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has announced a decrease in onion production estimates for the year 2023-24. Production is expected to decline by approximately 47 lakh tonnes nationwide, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan being the most affected states.
Despite the ongoing export ban on onions until March 31, there is little hope of lifting the ban due to the anticipated decrease in production and increased domestic demand, especially with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. Farmers in the Nashik area, renowned for onion cultivation, express concern over the impact of the export ban on their livelihoods.
Onion growers from Niphad criticized the central government for the adverse effects of the export ban on farmers. They emphasized the need to lift the ban post-March to alleviate the financial strain on farmers.
As onion prices continue to fluctuate, stakeholders call for urgent measures to mitigate the challenges faced by farmers and ensure stability in the market.
