Hubli
Many onion growers in the North Karnataka region suffered a huge loss of onion crops due to unexpected heavy rains as Kharif onion crops were damaged due to rains, leaving farmers in a financial crisis.
As there is a shortage of onions in the market, the prices of onions are expected to go up. Slowly, the price of onions is increasing in the local market. Now, good quality onions are being priced between Rs 50-60 per kg, and it is likely to go up to Rs 80 to 100 in the next few days.
Onion cultivation spans over 30 lakh hectares across the state, predominantly in North Karnataka districts including Gadag, Dharwad, Vijayapura, Vijayanagar, Bagalkot, and Belagavi.
Prolonged heavy rainfall during the Kharif season destroyed crops extensively. Only 10 to 20% of farmers achieved satisfactory yields, whilst others faced significant losses. The Hubballi APMC has noted reduced onion arrivals.
NM Siddesh, President of the Karnataka State Onion Growers Association, informed TOI about the extensive damage to the Kharif season onion crop, causing significant distress to farmers.
The substantial decline in onion production this year, due to rain damage to Kharif crops, resulted in market shortages. This scarcity has driven up demand, with premium quality onions now commanding Rs 4500 to 6000 per quintal at APMCs, whilst medium quality varieties fetch Rs 3500 to 4500, and lower grades sell for Rs 1000 to 1500.Previously, farmers received a maximum of Rs 2500 to 4000 for superior quality onions, but those who successfully protected their crops from rainfall are now receiving better prices.
He suggested that the current shortage could trigger a price increase in local markets, potentially reaching Rs 100 per kg in the near future.
