If a sharp rise in the price of tomato was not enough, consumers are feeling the heat with an increase in the prices of onions. Lelin Mallick of The Telegraph visited a few markets in Bhubaneswar to study the impact of rising onion prices on traders and consumers

Current market price

Onion prices have gone up by Rs 5 to Rs 7 per kilogram in Bhubaneswar. The price of onion was Rs 15 per kilogram in the city markets a few days ago. The recent price rise, that too, after tomato prices shot up a few weeks ago, has emerged as a major concern for residents. Both the consumers and the traders apprehend further rise in onion prices.

Procurement

The state needs nearly five lakh tonnes of onion annually, of which it produces nearly three to 3.5 lakh tonnes in the districts of Kalahandi, Balangir, Boudh, Angul and a few in the state'swestern districts. Besides, Bhubaneswar depends on Nasik in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for procurement of onions.

Reason behind price rise

Wholesalers said the onion supply had not declined, but the floods in Nasik and crop loss in Andhra Pradesh had led to the price rise. "The onion price has increased at the source points. The city is getting the normal supply of 10 to 15 trucks of onion on daily basis, but as the price has increased in the procurement areas, it has its impact in the city as well," said Odisha Byabasayee Mahasangha secretary Sudhakar Panda.

Wholesale and retail price

Wholesale price of onion is Rs 17 as against Rs 13 a kilogram a couple of days ago. But when the crop reaches the retail market, the price increases by Rs 4 to Rs 5 per kilogram because of factors such as transportation cost.

Future picture

Traders apprehend that the current price would last till November. "The winter crop from Nasik will reach the state in November. Besides, onions grown in various parts of the state will also enter the market in the winter and the price will stabilise," said Panda.

Government role

The state government had, in March, attributed distress sale of onion to its over-production. But, it had failed to set up adequate cold storages. However, the state food supplies and consumer welfare department has written to all district collectors for regular inspection of the wholesale and retail business units, along with order to take stern action against hoarders.

Consumer woes

"The consumers have been badly hit by the skyrocketing prices of vegetables during rains. In this circumstances, price rise of onions will definitely put burden on us," said Nirakar Pradhan, a consumer.