Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 3: Onion prices continue to remain high in Goa, hovering around Rs 70 per kg, as lower crop yields, supply constraints and exports have affected availability in the market. Suppliers said there was little indication of an immediate price reduction as fresh arrivals remained insufficient to meet demand.

Onion supplier Abdul Niralgi said wholesale prices in Belagavi had climbed to Rs 52 per kg, while supplies reaching Goa were being sold at around Rs 60 per kg. Retail prices across the state ranged between Rs 60 and Rs 70 per kg, taking into account transportation, handling and distribution costs.

“There is a shortage as production has been lower. The second harvest’s crop yield has reduced due to poor rainfall. As a result, the quantity coming into the market is not sufficient, which has an impact on domestic prices,” Niralgi told TOI.

Vendors at the Panaji market said onion prices were unlikely to ease immediately as fresh supplies had not increased sufficiently.

“Annually there would be a price rise during the Navratri to Diwali season. However, this time it is not necessarily linked to the festive period but to reduced agricultural production,” said vendor Jaffar Mokashi.

With supplies continuing to remain constrained, consumers in Goa may have to contend with elevated onion prices for some more time.