After tomato, onion prices on the rise; consumers feel the pinch

Bhubaneswar: Onion prices are on their way up across the State compounding woes of consumers, who are already feeling the pinch of sky-high tomato prices recently.

Within three to four days, onion prices per kilo has gone up by Rs 5-7 creating apprehension among consumers of further price rise in near future.

“Two days back I had purchased onion at Rs 15/kilo, but now it is priced at Rs 20,” said a homemaker.

“In view of present rates, we have to use onion judiciously while preparing food,” said another consumer.

On the other hand, traders attributed the price hike to non-availability of new stocks in the market.

Meanwhile, Food Supplies Minister SN Patro said necessary steps will be taken after a review of the situation.

“Due to heavy rains in Nasik and Bangalore, the prices of onion have  increased at those ‘mandis’. Once the rain subsides, price will automatically decline, Patro detailed out.

While Odisha has a demand for four lakh tonne onions, only one lakh tonne is being produced here, the minister added.

Few months back, farmers had gone for onion distress sale in Kalahandi, Nuapada and Bolangir districts. Consumers opine preservation of onions during the harvest period could have avoided the present price rise.