Onion prices;Farmers want export ban lifted

At Lasalgaon, India's largest wholesale onion market in Nashik, prices of the bulb suddenly crashed from last week's Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 a kilo to, Rs. 13 to Rs. 15 a kilo on Monday.

Common man in India can now enjoy their onions without shedding any tears over its exorbitant prices as the humble bulbs have become cheaper.

At Lasalgaon, India's largest wholesale onion market in Nashik, prices of the bulb suddenly crashed from last week's Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 a kilo to, Rs. 13 to Rs. 15 a kilo on Monday.

Prices of the bulb fell by about Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 per quintal. The Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) wholesale market opened yesterday with onions fetching around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,400 per quintal.

But local farmers stayed away from the market and staged a protest in front of main gate of the APMC, demanding lifting of the ban on onion exports.

The Government had imposed a ban on onion exports till January 15, but haven't yet removed the same as prices are still hovering around the Rs. 40 per kg mark across the country.

It is a tough call for the Government to take as opening up the export market could lead to a fresh shortfall in the domestic market, and could push up prices again.

Though local supplies have improved with the arrival of fresh crop it may not be enough to meet the growing demand.

Onion prices also dropped sharply at the Vashi APMC, as about 200 trucks arrived with the produce on Monday. The vegetable was priced in the range of Rs. 50 to Rs. 250 per 10 kg in the market and the rates are expected to drop further.