Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Onion Prices Ease as Kharif Arrivals Rise Ahead of Festivals
More onions are reaching markets, so prices have started to come down.
The ministry says Maharashtra’s average market price fell by nearly 13% between September 16 and October 3.
Retail prices also declined in 126 cities.
New onions from the Kharif crop have begun arriving from several states.
Stored onions are also helping supply markets.
The government says this year’s Kharif crop area is expected to be larger than last year’s.
It has also moved onions from its reserves to cities by train and truck.
Officials expect supplies to improve further during the festive season.
Maharashtra’s weighted average mandi price fell nearly 13%, from about Rs 4,030 per quintal on September 16 to Rs 3,475 on October 3.
The ministry said retail onion prices fell by Rs 1–21 per kg in 126 cities over two weeks.
Fresh Kharif onion arrivals have started in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, while stored stocks continue to supply markets.
All-India Kharif onion acreage is estimated to be about 5% higher than last year’s level, with crop conditions reported as favourable.
The government said it had distributed more than 2 lakh quintals from buffer stocks through 8 Kanda Express and 467 trucks across 123 cities.
- Who
- The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution reported the price and supply trends; onion growers and market consumers are affected.
- What
- Onion prices are easing as fresh Kharif arrivals increase and the government distributes buffer stocks.
- When
- The report was dated October 7; the cited Maharashtra mandi price comparison runs from September 16 to October 3.
- Where
- Across Indian markets, with prices cited in Maharashtra and fresh arrivals reported from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- Why
- Increased market arrivals, new Kharif supplies, stored stocks and government buffer-stock distribution are improving availability.
- Maharashtra mandi price change
- Nearly 13% lower, from about Rs 4,030 per quintal on September 16 to about Rs 3,475 on October 3
- Retail price declines
- 126 cities reported declines of Rs 1–21 per kg over two weeks
- Kharif acreage estimate
- About 5% higher than last year’s already strong level
- Reported buffer-stock distribution
- More than 2 lakh quintals
- Distribution network cited
- 8 Kanda Express and 467 trucks across 123 cities
- States with fresh Kharif arrivals
- Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan