Trivandrum: Onion,has been experiencing a spike in price

 Trivandrum: Onion, a staple vegetable in Keralite households, has been experiencing a spike in price. A kilogram of onion sold for Rs. 96 in the state, yesterday. The price of onion increased at least by Rs. 52 per kg.

Last week, the vendors sold onion for Rs. 40-44 per kilogram. Shallots, a variant of onion, have also experienced an increase in spike. One kilogram of shallots will cost Keralites Rs. 90-100.

Dealers attribute the increase in onion prices to the rains and floods that have destroyed most onion crops. According to them, at least 40 percent of the product has been lost to the rains and floods.

Usually, onion prices go up when the production of white onions (Pune onions) decrease. However, the red onion variety from Andra Pradesh will keep the price hike under control. However, the persistent rains and other factors have destroyed most crops in Andra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

 

Kerala relies on onion harvests from Pune, Nasik, and Ahmednagar. The traders pay around 1 percent Cess and 7 percent commission to get the produce to Kerala markets. Reportedly, the Kerala onion price hike has also prompted Maharashtra middlemen to hoard the harvests.

Meanwhile, the state Horticorp has begun steps to keep prices under check. The Managing Director of Horticorp, K Sajeev commented, “Two loads of onions from NAFED will reach Kerala on Wednesday, which can be sold for less than Rs 50 per kg. With the prices increasing, we will send a letter to NAFED seeking to sell the onions for the price it was procured. If it succeeds, Horticorp outlets will be able to sell onions for a low price. This will keep the market price in check”.

Earlier, there were reports that the state’s onion price could have brought to control if they had implemented the center’s TOP scheme. The TOP scheme is a means to control the prices of perishable goods, including, tomato, onion, potato, etc.