No reduction in onion prices in Odisha now

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Oct 12, 2017 at 5:53 PM Updated On : Oct 13, 2017 at 2:41 PM

Bhubaneswar: Amidst steep rise of onion prices in the market, Odisha Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Surjya Narayan Patro hinted at no reduction in onion prices currently due to heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The prices of onion are likely to come down after new crops arrive, Patro said.

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“Odisha completely depends on Andhra and other states for onion. As heavy rains lashed the coastal Andhra and Maharashtra, the new onions could not be harvested at the moment. The prices of onions that were in the stock rose not only in Odisha but also across the country,” Patro told media.

Currently, the onions imported from Maharashtra are priced between Rs 2,900 and Rs 2,700 per 100 kg (one quintal) in Odisha. The prices vary in the market as per the quality of onions. The transportation costs between Rs 200 and Rs 250 per quintal. After reaching the onions in Odisha, the wholesalers are selling the onions at Rs 32 per kg. The prices will be reduced after the new crops get imported to Odisha, he said.

Even as the farmers are ready to harvest the new crops, the continuous rain in Andhra and Maharashtra is posing hindrance. The market rate of onion will be decided after the harvest of new crops, he added.

Notably, the rise in onion prices has put additional burden on the daily household budget. The onions are now available in the retail market between Rs 30 and Rs 32 from Rs 12 per kg. It is expected to rise further and touch Rs 40 in next two days.