Nashik: The average wholesale onion prices in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across Nashik district have witnessed a sharp increase of 20% to 40% over the past 12 days, driven by higher demand relative to supply.
Price Trends at Key Markets
At Lasalgaon APMC, the country’s largest wholesale onion market, the average price rose by approximately 20%, from Rs 1,250 per quintal on May 23 to Rs 1,500 per quintal on June 4. On Thursday, the minimum and maximum prices were recorded at Rs 700 and Rs 1,926 per quintal, respectively, with arrivals of about 14,300 quintals.
Similarly, at Pimpalgaon APMC, another major onion hub, average prices surged nearly 40% during the same period, climbing from Rs 1,150 per quintal on May 23 to Rs 1,650 per quintal on Thursday. The minimum and maximum rates stood at Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,400 per quintal, while arrivals reached around 30,900 quintals.
Below Production Cost Despite Rise
Despite the recent uptick, average wholesale prices remain below the cost of production, estimated at about Rs 1,800 per quintal. This has left farmers under continued financial strain, as they are unable to recover their expenses.
Reasons Behind the Price Increase
APMC officials attributed the price rise to a demand-supply mismatch. They noted that the arrival of better-quality onions in the markets has also contributed to improved price realization. Traders pointed to a surge in export demand, particularly from Sri Lanka and Gulf countries, over the past few days. This increased demand has pushed up prices by Rs 250 to Rs 500 per quintal across markets.
Farmers Still in Distress
Bharat Dighole, president of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers’ Association, expressed concern that prices are still not remunerative. “Onion prices remain below the cost of production, which is around Rs 1,800 per quintal. Farmers continue to incur heavy losses when selling at such low rates,” he said.
