The recent surge in onion prices, which gave citizens sleepless nights, has finally subsided with the arrival of the new crop and the markets are now witnessing significant drop in prices giving much-needed relief to the consumers. Till the first week of December, onion prices had skyrocketed to Rs 40-50 per kg in wholesale markets and Rs 60-70 per kg in retail markets. However, with the onset of the new crop, prices have dropped. On Saturday, onion was sold at a price of Rs 25-30 per kg in wholesale markets and Rs 30-35 per kg in retail markets. Wholesalers predict that prices may further dip after January 15, 2025, as the markets are expected to witness an increased arrival of onions. The arrival of spring onions, which are being sold at a price of Rs 15-20 per bunch, has also contributed to the decline in onion prices. Gaurav Harde, President of Kanda Batata Adatiya Welfare Association at Kalamna market, attributed the price drop to the arrival of new crops from nearby districts. “

 

The city is receiving onions from places like Amravati, Akola, Chhindwara, and other nearby districts. The new crop of onions has started arriving, and it will further increase in the coming days. This will further bring down prices and there is no possibility of a rate hike till March-April,” he said. The decline in onion prices has brought relief to citizens, who had been struggling to cope with the high prices. The price drop is expected to have a positive impact on the overall inflation rate, which has been rising due to the high prices of essential commodities like onions. Expressing satisfaction over the price drop, Rina Jadhaw, a housewife buying vegetables in Mangalwari market said, “As the new crop of onions continues to arrive in the markets, we can now expect prices to remain stable or even decline further. The relief from high onion prices is a welcome respite for all of us,” she added. It is important to note that about 20-25 trucks, each containing 10-15 tonnes of onions, arrive at Kalamna market every day. The dealers said that the demand for onions has also gone up recently because of the marriage season.