Onion prices may breach Rs 100/kg mark

The prime commodity on the cooking menu has now turned into a priced product in a span of just two months. The price of onions has now shot up by more than 80 per cent literally bringing tears to the citizens. In the last two months, the cost of onion has increased from Rs 20 per kg to about Rs 80 per kg in retail shops.

Diminishing onion stocks from neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka is the primary reason for the price rise. Meanwhile the local stock being exhausted has only added to the inflation. Koti Shiva Rajaiah, wholesale dealer at Agricultural Market Committee, Bowenpally, explains,

“This season, the onion produce has been very less in neighbouring states due to lack of proper rains. We are going to get fresh stocks only by the end of September or by November. Till that time the rates may sore further and may even touch Rs 100 a kilogram.”

However the Telangana government is selling subsidised onions at Rs 20 per kg at 33 outlets (under Mana Kuragayalu scheme) in addition to the 10 Rythu Bazaars in the city. The State has also promised an additional supply of 60 to 100 quintals at 43 outlets to the city.

Sai Kumar, Estate Officer, Alwal Rythu Bazaar, said, “Subsidised onions are being sold at Rs 20 per kg per family if the Aadhaar card is produced. We are also marking an identification mark with indelible ink on the finger of the consumers. Children below 15 years are not allowed to use the facility. One member can draw two kg by paying Rs 40.”

A dealer from Mehaboobgunj Market at Malakpet, the largest market for onions, said, “We received only 15,000 quintals of onions as against the normal requirement of 18,000 quintals on Wednesday. This has hiked the price of the vegetable to around Rs 60 per kg in wholesale shops and Rs 80 in retail shops depending on the variety and quality.”

By:Ch Saibaba