With onion yields getting affected by rains in the states of Maharshtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana etc, the onion loads coming into the state have decreased. The traders, commission agents and other middlemen are also resorting to hoarding for selling them at higher prices. Usually, 100 truckloads come to Koyambedu market but it has reduced to 40.
On the other hand, the demand for onions has shot up with the arrival of the festive season thereby pushing the prices high. In the wholesale market, it was sold at ₹ 100, ₹85 and ₹60 per kg, respectively, yesterday.
Retailers, who bought at those prices, sold it up to ₹120 per kilo. Onions are being from Egypt to contain the price. Around 28 tonnes is said to have arrived till now.
In light of this, Minister for Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection Sellur K. Raju held a meeting with department officials to contain the price and a decision was taken to sell onions at ₹45 per kg in farm green shops from today.
Farm Fresh Outlets run in many places across the state would be selling onions at ₹45 per kg.
Speaking to the press Minister Sellur K. Raju said “During the rainy season, onion prices usually go up. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, where onion yields are high, heavy rains have reduced onion supply and pushed up prices. Therefore, onions will be sold at ₹45 per kg from today in farm green shops in all parts of the Corporation, including Chennai; The shops in other areas will be selling from tomorrow. On the basis of demand and supply, the price of onion will be monitored continuously and the government is taking steps to provide quality onions on behalf of the co-operative sector without any harm to the people.”