Egyptian onions keep price in check; Iranian to enter market soon

Moovattupuzha: After Egyptian onions, Iranian counterparts are also set to enter the Kerala market where onion prices have skyrocketed recently.

The Egyptian onions, which are larger and tastier, have reached the M.A.B wholesale dealership in Muvattupuzha. M.A.B brothers M. B. Nishad and M. B. Anas are planning to import Iranian onions.

Egyptian onions were imported on a trial basis. Out of the 10 tonnes imported, 8 tonnes were sold out within three days. Egyptian onions are not only bigger in size, but also have more moisture content. The Egyptian onions are brought to Kerala through a trader in Maharashtra. They come in 30 kilogram packets.

The Egyptian onions helped keep the price at Rs 70- Rs 75 per kg. Otherwise the prices would have been around Rs 100 – Rs 125.

For the traders, the price of onions, shallots, potato and garlic affect the sale of other items. Import solves the problems to an extent.

Specialties of Egyptian onion

• Rs 10 per kilo less in price
• Weighs around 600 grams each
• Can be laid on the ground to store; don’t keep tied inside plastic bags

Specialties of Iranian onion

• Weighs around 900 grams each
• Price will be less than Indian onion

M.A.B brothers are planning to import 10 tonnes of Iranian onions in the first phase.