Vijayawada: The price of onions have increased by over 50 per cent in the last two weeks and 100 per cent in the last one month. At present, they are being sold at Rs 50-Rs 60 a kg basing on the quality. The steep rise has been attributed to the escalation of prices in Maharashtra, which is the main exporter of onions. The Kurnool variety, has increased by over 90 per cent compared to that on Nov. 1, 2017.
The price rise is mainly due to crop failure triggered by adverse weather conditions in Maharashtra. The vendors are speculating that the rise will continue for the next 15 days. One month ago, onions were sold at Rs 4 a kg but now, there are chances for it to go up to Rs 70 a kg in the second week of December. The high difference in the prices shows what the traders can do in the market.
Meanwhile, the consumers have been urging the government to check the rise in the price as it is burning a hole in the pockets of the ordinary people. “Onions are essential ingredients in almost every dish. We are being forced to shell out more on onions and this is also affecting our monthly Budget,” pointed out M. Rajeswari, a homemaker, who came to the Rythu Bazar.
Some consumers are cutting down on consumption unable to afford for the vegetable. On Thursday, the Kurnool variety was priced at Rs 50 a kg and the Maharashtra one at Rs 60 a kg. In Rythu Bazar, the Kurnool variety is being sold at Rs 40 a kg. “The sale of onions has reduced due to the high price. It is only the hotel people who are buying it regularly as they cannot do without it. Even they are buying it in less quantity,” said M. RameshBabu, estate officer, Rythu Bazar. He said that the cost of onions is cheaper in Rythu Bazar than that in the retail market or roadside shops.
“We are requesting people to buy onions only from the Rythu Bazar as they are costing a bomb now. We are not selling the Maharastra variety as it very costly. Kurnool variety is being sold at Rs 10-Rs 12 a kg, Mr Babu added.
