New Delhi: Onion availability across the country is expected to remain comfortable in the coming weeks, with fresh Kharif arrivals from major producing states, higher acreage and continued release of government buffer stocks contributing to a broad-based moderation in prices.
Fresh Kharif onions have started arriving from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, while stored stocks continue to meet market demand. Arrivals are expected to increase further in the coming weeks, strengthening supplies ahead of the festive season, according to the government.
All-India Kharif onion acreage is estimated to be around 5% higher than last year’s already strong level, with favourable crop conditions reported across major producing regions. The India Meteorological Department’s rainfall outlook during the harvesting period is also expected to support harvesting, drying and transportation.
The improved supply situation is reflected in mandi prices in Maharashtra, one of the country’s major onion-producing states.
The weighted average mandi price in Maharashtra declined by nearly 13%, from around ₹4,030 per quintal on September 16 to about ₹3,475 per quintal on October 3.
The government said robust arrivals across key onion markets indicated that increased supplies were translating into lower mandi prices.
The easing trend has also extended to retail markets. According to the government, 126 cities recorded a decline of ₹1-21 per kg in retail onion prices over the past two weeks.
Price moderation was reported in major consuming states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
The government is also augmenting supplies through the strategic release of buffer onions to consuming centres.
More than 2 lakh quintals of buffer stock have been disposed of through eight Kanda Express services and 467 trucks across 123 cities. Additional rail rakes are being planned to move larger quantities to high-consumption markets, particularly ahead of the festive season.
The government said it was closely monitoring onion arrivals, stocks and prices and would take measures to ensure adequate supplies wherever required.
With fresh Kharif arrivals expected to gather pace, higher acreage, favourable crop conditions, robust market arrivals and continued movement of buffer stocks are expected to keep onion supplies well supported and ease price pressures in the coming weeks.
