Alappuzha: The price of one kilo gram of onion has reached Rs 45 on Friday. This was Rs 20 during the Onam season. The sudden surge in price took place within a span of just 2 weeks.

Maharashtra is the main centre of onion cultivation in India. However, the cultivation was severely affected by the recent heavy rainfall in the state thus resulting in increased price. Meanwhile, the export of 25,000 kg of onion owing to the pressure exerted by farmers also resulted in the price rise.

Import mainly from Pune

Most of the onion to the state is imported from Pune. This costs Rs 45 per kg currently. This used to be Rs 28 in the past.

Other than Pune, onion is imported from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as well. Onion from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu costs Rs 22 and Rs 35 each.

Last year, the price of onion rose to Rs 120 per kg. Following this, the export of onion to other countries was banned. Traders stated that price of the product will drop if the export is banned.

Onion price likely to go up

Although onion cultivation has restarted, its price will continue to rise until they are harvested and taken to the market. In the current context, the price can go up to Rs 60 per kg.- VA Fasaluddin, President, Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi