Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Onion Prices May Touch ₹90 Per KG Amid Rain Deficit

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, onion prices have skyrocketed, reaching consumers at ₹40 to ₹60 per kilogram, depending on the quality. The soaring prices are attributed to inadequate rainfall during the monsoon season and an ongoing drought. Experts predict that prices may surge further, potentially reaching ₹80 to ₹90 per kilogram, as traders anticipate a shortage of new onions in the market come November.

Traders are observing the daily arrival of onions at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee, with quantities ranging from 1,700 to 1,800 quintals. Should the deliveries dwindle, the effect on prices could be significant. The primary factors driving the price increase include the adverse effects of reduced rainfall on the onion crop, a forecasted lower production for the upcoming season, a projected demand of around 5,000 quintals of onions in the city, and the detrimental impact of insufficient retreating rains on production.

Onions are sourced from various markets, including Sillod, Aland, Phulambri, Ganori, Ladsawangi, Ware-Kingaon, and Karmad. Although the current supply appears sufficient, there are concerns that the cultivation area and production for the next season will dwindle due to the lack of rainfall. The rise in prices has been spurred by forecasts of meager retreating rains, as indicated by Arjun Yeole, an onion wholesaler.

He noted that the new onion seedlings for the summer crop have withered owing to the absence of rain, and should the rains fail to return, prices are anticipated to hit ₹80 to ₹90 per kilogram.