Retail onion prices in Kerala touch Rs 90/kg

Kozhikode: The price of onions in the Kozhikode wholesale market has risen to Rs 75 per kg. In the retail market, the price has surged to as much as Rs 85 per kg, up from Rs 40 to Rs 70 per kg in just a few days.

In Kochi, onions are priced at Rs 60 in the wholesale market and up to Rs 90 in retail outlets.

Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, the wholesale price stands at Rs 65, while retail prices have risen to Rs 75.

The rise in onion prices is also being felt in Nashik, Maharashtra, a key wholesale hub for onions. Traders there are bidding a record price of Rs 5,400 per quintal, marking a significant spike.

Onion prices have risen sharply within the past week, with several factors contributing to the price hike. Traders say part of the increase is due to a week-long market closure during the Diwali festivities, as well as a reduced harvest caused by the waterlogging of fields from heavy rains.

According to traders, onion production in Maharashtra this season is only about 25% of what it was last year. Traders also note that onion prices tend to increase annually during this season.