Belagavi, 13 September

Onion prices have risen sharply in Belagavi amid the festive season after supplies to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) declined, with retail prices increasing from around Rs 40 per kg last week to Rs 60-70 now.

Belagavi is the State's third-largest horticultural crop producer, with such crops grown on around 40,000 hectares. Onions account for about 7,350 hectares, but sowing was delayed this year due to the late monsoon.

Farmers from Maharashtra are bringing stored onions to the Belagavi market amid a shortage in border areas. Supplies are also arriving from Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Meanwhile, locally grown onions, which usually reach the market in September, are expected only in October this year.

APMC officials said onion trading takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. About 21,000 quintals were brought to the market last week, while the local harvest has been significantly lower than previous years.

Farmer leader Prakash Nayak attributed the decline to inadequate monsoon rainfall. He said onions, which can be grown three times a year, were damaged by drought in some areas and excessive rainfall in others. Reduced supplies from northern regions and delayed local arrivals have also affected prices. He also blamed traders who stockpile onions.

APMC officials said prices rose from around Rs 2,500 per quintal last month to Rs 4,000-5,500. They expect prices to ease when the delayed local crop arrives in October, providing relief to consumers facing higher prices during the festive season. The officials said the delayed harvest is expected to improve market availability and moderate prices.