The onion prices in wholesale market of Lasalgaon have slipped further by Rs 3 per kg to Rs 45 on increased arrival of the crop compared to Rs 48 per kg last week, as per the data maintained by the National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF). The retail prices are still ruling high up to Rs 80 per kg across the country. Lasalgaon in Maharashtra, Asia’s biggest onion market, sets the price trend of onion across the country.
The retail onion prices are ruling at Rs 67/kg in Delhi, Rs 61/kg in Mumbai, Rs 50/kg in Kolkata and Rs 47/kg in Chennai, according to data compiled by the Consumer Affairs Ministry. In Aizwal and Varanasi, onion was retailing as high as Rs 80 per kg. The rates have started softening due to an increase in arrivals after the government restricted exports and decided to boost supply through imports.
Besides, the centre has approved bids -- floated by state-owned MMTC -- for import of 1,000 tonnes of onion at Rs 45 per kg and the shipments are expected to arrive by September 10.