Small onion prices hit record high; big onions cost Rs 60 per kg

Coimbatore: Small onion prices have touched a record high at the Coimbatore market, with the wholesale price reaching Rs 180 per kg and the retail price touching Rs 200. Prices are rising daily due to a drop in supply.

Small onion prices have been increasing for the past month and recently crossed Rs 180 per kg. If the trend continues, the wholesale price could touch Rs 200 per kg, said M. Rajendran, president of the Coimbatore T.K. Market Vegetable Traders Association.

Currently, only large-scale farmers in the Alandurai area of Coimbatore and Palladam have stocks of small onions. Supplies from these areas are distributed to markets in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Prices are unlikely to come down until the next harvest begins in mid-December, Rajendran said.

Big onion prices have also increased, with the wholesale rate standing at Rs 60 per kg. Harvesting has gathered pace in Maharashtra following Diwali. Prices are expected to fall to around Rs 40 per kg once supplies from Maharashtra arrive within a week.

Garlic prices have also risen sharply. Premium-quality garlic is currently selling at Rs 300 per kg in the wholesale market.