Drought damages 62,985 hectares of onion crop in Karnataka; prices remain high
While onions are being sold at ₹50-55 a kg in the wholesale market, retail prices range between ₹65 and ₹70 a kg
The price of onions, a common ingredient in many dishes, has remained elevated despite severe drought conditions affecting onion cultivation in Karnataka. According to the Karnataka State Department of Horticulture, over 62,985 hectares of onion crops have been damaged, accounting for more than 50% loss in affected areas. Wholesale prices of onions range from ₹50-55 per kg, while retail prices fluctuate between ₹65-70 per kg.
Despite 94% of the sowing area being cultivated in the kharif season, farmers anticipate a poor yield due to lack of rainfall, leading to further price hikes. Onion cultivation in Karnataka is predominantly concentrated in Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Chitradurga, and some parts of south Karnataka, where the crop requires regular irrigation to thrive.
Experts emphasize that a successful kharif harvest is vital for stabilizing onion prices across India, as only 30% of the country's onion cultivation area is under kharif crops, mainly in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The remaining 70% is cultivated during the rabi season.
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