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Fresh Kharif Onion Arrivals Push Maharashtra Prices Down
More fresh onions are reaching markets, so onion prices have gone down.
In Maharashtra, the average market price dropped by nearly 14% in six days.
The government says the onion crop is larger and the weather has helped farmers harvest and move it.
More onions are expected to arrive from several states in the coming weeks.
The government is also sending onions from its stored supply to cities.
Lower prices can help people who buy onions.
But farmers may earn less when the prices they receive fall.
The government says it is watching supplies and prices and may send more onions where needed.
Maharashtra’s average onion market price fell nearly 14% in six days, from ₹4,451 per quintal on Oct. 1 to ₹3,900 on Oct. 6.
The government linked improving supply to expanded kharif cultivation, favourable weather and fresh crop arrivals.
Fresh kharif onions have begun arriving from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, with volumes expected to increase.
Retail prices fell by up to ₹20 per kilogram in 126 cities over two weeks, while the wholesale decline raised concerns about farmers’ returns.
More than 2 lakh quintals of buffer onions have been sent to 123 cities using eight Onion Express trains and 467 trucks.
- Who
- Onion consumers and growers, and the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- What
- Fresh kharif arrivals and buffer-stock supplies have increased onion availability as market prices decline.
- Where
- Maharashtra and markets across India, including 123 cities receiving buffer onions.
- When
- Average Maharashtra market prices fell between Oct. 1 and Oct. 6; the ministry issued its statement on Oct. 7.
- Why
- Expanded kharif cultivation, favourable weather, rising arrivals and buffer-stock releases have increased supply.
Consumer Relief
Farmer Returns
Effect of falling prices
Consumer Relief
Lower retail onion prices offer relief to consumers.
Farmer Returns
Falling wholesale and market prices may reduce the returns onion growers receive.
Managing supply and prices
Consumer Relief
The government says increased arrivals and planned buffer releases can keep onions affordable.
Farmer Returns
The article says ensuring affordable consumer prices while providing remunerative prices to growers remains a challenge.
Key facts
- Average price, Oct. 1
- ₹4,451 per quintal
- Average price, Oct. 6
- ₹3,900 per quintal
- Price decline
- Nearly 14% in six days
- Retail price change
- Down by up to ₹20 per kg in 126 cities over two weeks
- Kharif cultivation area
- Estimated around 5% higher than last year’s already high level
- Buffer onions supplied
- More than 2 lakh quintals to 123 cities
- Transport used
- Eight Onion Express trains and 467 trucks
Sources
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