Onion markets to close from December 11

PUNE, NOV 28: Wholesale onion markets throughout the State will remain closed indefinitely from December 11, unless the Centre lifts the ...

PUNE, NOV 28: Wholesale onion markets throughout the State will remain closed indefinitely from December 11, unless the Centre lifts the ban on the export of onions by December 10.

A resolution to this effect was unanimously passed at the State-level meeting of the commission agents and the Pune Onion Potato Purchasers Association here today.

Around 250 commission agents and traders from Ahmednagar, Rahuri, Yeola, Satara, Deola, Lonan, Chakan and Pune were present for today’s meeting. Vilasrao Bhujbal, president of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Commission Agents Association presided over the meet. President of the Pune Onion Potato Purchasers Association Pravin Raysoni said that a bumper Garvi crop expected in December would result in a further crash on the onion prices in the market. Onion prices have already come crashing down with the old stocks of around 2.5 lakh tons coming into the market bringing down prices to Rs 200 to Rs 250 per quintal. The prices of onions which had skyrocketed to Rs 40 per kg induced farmers to double their onion crop adding to the problems.

Pakistan has recorded a bumper onion crop reducing demand from the Gulf, Colombo and the Middle East for Indian onions, Raysoni said. Only a total free exports could save the situation, he believed.