Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Dec 10: The local farmers, who were not bothered by onion imports from countries like Egypt and Turkey are now worried about the impact created by the supply of onions grown in Nasik and surrounding places of Maharashtra.

A number of farmers, who were cleaning the onions harvested by them after most of it was spoiled by heavy rain and flood, and were hoping to get good price at the market for it on account of deficit supply, are shocked by the sudden slump in onion prices.

The price of onions which was between Rs 10,000 and 15,000 per quintal last week, declined on Monday to Rs 8,000. Out of 654 quintals of onions received at the APMC market here on Monday, maximum rate offered was Rs 10,500. 606 quintals of onions was received from Gujarat but they managed price of only Rs 8,500 per quintal. Onion from Rajathan commanded price of Rs 8,000. Two loads of Egypt onions came to Hubballi, but were returned for want of demand.

Five loads of onions were received at Mangaluru market on Monday from Gujarat. This onion is bigger in size, and is of good quality, and hence has good demand. Rate however, has come down as compared to previous week, and prices offered were between Rs 95 to 130 per kilo. The government's action in bringing down maximum stock of onions retailers can hold from five to two tonnes also has impacted the prices.