onion price

A civil engineer-turned-farmer from Solapur was forced to burn his onion crop after receiving a meager 67 paise per kg at the Kolhapur APMC, failing to cover even labor costs. Despite traveling 200km for better prices, he found the rates distressingly low, mirroring the plight of other farmers facing similar dismal returns due to oversupply and export restrictions.

India's retail inflation climbed to a 13-month high of 3.48% in April, primarily fueled by soaring food prices. Consumer Food Price Index accelerated to 4.20%, with rural inflation outpacing urban rates. While silver and gold jewellery saw significant price hikes, tomatoes surged, but potatoes and onions experienced deflation. This marks the second consecutive monthly rise, nearing the RBI's target.

India's retail inflation remains largely unaffected by West Asian conflict, with SBI retaining its FY27 forecast at 4.5%. While imported inflation eased slightly, rising food prices, particularly tomatoes, are a key driver. Future trends hinge on energy price pass-through and summer crop progress, with the RBI flagging upside risks.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of El Nino conditions during the South West monsoon season. Economists and experts note that a weak monsoon will add to the woes caused by higher crude oil prices, and fertilizer supply disruptions.

Home-cooked thali costs saw a mixed trend in March 2026. Non-vegetarian thalis became cheaper by 1% year-on-year, driven by lower chicken prices. Vegetarian thalis, however, remained stable as a significant tomato price hike offset reductions in onions, potatoes, and pulses. Monthly costs also decreased for both.

onion prices continue to cause tears. According to APMC sources, retail price this year is likely to touch Rs 100 per kg by October end. The price in the wholesale market has already gone up by 15-20% and by 20% in the retail market.

Showing no signs of cooling down, retail onion prices have continued to spiral, touching as high as Rs 165/kg on Friday even as the government grapples to boost the supplies through imports.

In an effort to control rising onion prices, the Indian government has imposed a minimum export price of $800 per tonne on onions until the end of December. This decision comes after a 40% duty on onion exports failed to deter traders from shipping onions abroad. With the new minimum export price, it will be difficult for traders to export onions. The government has also announced the procurement of an additional two lakh tonnes of onions to increase availability in the domestic market.

onion prices have plummeted below Rs 1,000 per quintal at Lasalgaon APMC, inflicting significant losses on farmers whose production costs are around Rs 1,800. State Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has urged the Chief Minister for a Rs 500 per quintal grant and a long-term policy to stabilize the market and protect growers from recurring financial distress.

Failing to control the soaring onion prices, Odisha government has decided to procure the tuber from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.