Odisha's Onion Price Relief: From Market Chaos to State Intervention

Amidst soaring onion prices in Odisha, the state government collaborates with NAFED to offer onions at a reduced rate of Rs 30 per kg. The price surge, linked to supply challenges from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, highlights the state's reliance on external sources for staple vegetables.

With onion prices soaring to Rs 70 per kg, the Odisha government has taken steps to alleviate the burden on consumers by partnering with NAFED to sell onions at a reduced rate of Rs 30 per kg. The move comes as a response to supply challenges from Nashik in Maharashtra, where the base price is Rs 45 per kg.

Odisha's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra explained that the state depends on other regions for its onion supply, which contributed to the price hike. The state imports onions from Nashik and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, both of which have faced supply issues due to adverse weather affecting the Kharif crop.

Traders reported that while Nashik's high-quality onions command a price of Rs 70 per kg, onions from Kurnool are slightly cheaper at Rs 40-Rs 55, influenced by quality. Meanwhile, garlic prices have also surged to Rs 400 per kg in retail markets. Authorities expect a decrease in prices with the imminent supply of new crops.

(With inputs from agencies.)