Lasalgaon is known to be the country’s largest onion market.
The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) has said that Rs 7,990 per quintal was the highest rate for onions in APMC’s in the 72-year history.
A kilo of onion is retailing at Rs 90-100 in most Indian states, soaring high at Rs 120-130 per kilo in major cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Odisha, and Pune.
Currently, MMTC has signed contracts with Egypt for onion imports and an onion consignment of 6,090 tonnes will be available in the country next month.
Due to the high demand for onions, even the lesser-known quality of onions from Andhra Pradesh that has less shelf life is being sold at Rs 100 catching the consumer’s attraction.
While many consumers have cut down on onions and have been relying on cheaper quality, traders say due to the unavailability of the crop and lack of interference from the government, the prices are likely to remain high.