The prices of onion which was Rs 15 per kg two months ago, is currently hovering above Rs 80 in the retail market, making people think twice before buying onions. Though there are no onions in the kitchen, people are not buying them because of the high prices. Few are even cooking meals without adding onions in it.
Towards Rs 100
The price of onion in June and July months was Rs 15. After that, the prices of onion gradually increased and went up to Rs 80 in the retail market. The lower grade onion is sold at Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg. Earlier, they used to sell four to five kgs of onion per Rs 100 but now they are selling one and a half kg. The main reason behind the hike in onion prices is the recent heavy rains that wreaked havoc throughout the nation. The onion crop in both Telugu States as well apart from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have been destroyed. During this monsoon season, onion was cultivated in 5,500 hectares in Telangana and 15,000 hectares in AP but not much was harvested.
Imported from other states
Onions to Telangana come not only from the state but also from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. However, the heavy rains in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka caused heavy damage to onion cultivation. The crops got damaged as there was no mechanism to pump out excess water from the onion fields. It requires Rs 50,000 to cultivate an onion crop. The farmers are a worried lot as the crop got damaged at the time of harvest season. It is learnt that at present, every day more than 100 lorries of onions are reaching the Telugu states from Madhya Pradesh and other places. The onions are being provided on a subsidized rate in Rythu Bazaars in Andhra Pradesh.
Restrictions eased on imports
The Centre has issued directives easing out restrictions on onion imports as onion prices have gone up across the country. The exemptions on onion imports will be in force till December 15 this year. The Centre is taking steps to expedite the import of onions from different countries into domestic markets. The ministry of consumer affairs has said in a statement that the prices would be brought under control. It has said that they were in consultations with the ambassadors of the exporting countries. Steps were also taken to take out the onion stocks in government godowns. This is not the first time the onion prices have increased. The prices have risen similarly in the past.