Onion traders pin hope on Karnataka, Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Onion prices are expected to come down in a couple of weeks with new crop arrivals to start from north Karnataka and south Maharashtra. Prices of onion has gone up as rains in these areas delayed arrivals and depleted stored stocks.

Delhi-based New Sabzi Mandi Azadpur Onion Potato Merchant's Association president Trilokchand Sharma said Delhi is dependent on onions from Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP and Rajasthan. Since arrivals from Rajasthan has ended and rains have affected arrivals from Maharashtra and Karnataka, the prices have moved up. He said prices are likely to come come down in the next 15 days.

The wholesale prices of onion in Delhi has gone up by Rs 100-120 per 40 kg to Rs 700-850 levels in past three days. "The prices will come down between Rs 500-Rs 600 levels once arrivals resume and second crop from Rajasthan starts," Mr Sharma said.

In Mumbai markets, the wholesale prices have gone up by only Rs 1-15 per 10 kg to Rs 180-200 per 10 kg. Mumbai-based Kanda Batata Artiya Vyapari Sangh’s Rajendra Raskar said prices increased with depleting stocks. "From Dussera onwards the prices will come down with fresh arrivals," he said.

Maharashtra is a major supplier of onion to the country and the key areas where onion is grown include Nasik, Pune, Ahmednagar and the surrounding areas. While Nasik and regions beyond cater to the demand from east and north India, onions grown in south Maharashtra in Pune, Ahmednagar and near by areas supply to Mumbai, central and south India. Arrivals from Nasik starts only from November-December.