Onion farmers in Niphad taluka have a reason to rejoice as red onion prices soared to Rs. 4,000 per quintal at the Niphad Sub-Market under the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee on Tuesday (February 11). The surge in prices has created a wave of satisfaction among onion growers who have been struggling with fluctuating rates.
The Pimpalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee oversees sub-markets in Saikheda, Ojar, Palkhed Mirchi, and Aurangpur-Bhendali, while the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee manages sub-markets in Vinchur, Niphad, Khangaon Nakib, and Manori Khurd.
In the Vinchur sub-market, onion prices ranged between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 3,101 per quintal, with an average price of Rs. 2,600. At the Lasalgaon main market, prices varied from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000, averaging Rs. 2,551 per quintal. Pimpalgaon market reported prices between Rs. 1,800 and Rs. 3,001, averaging Rs. 2,450. Meanwhile, Saikheda market offered farmers rates between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,581, with an average price of Rs. 2,450 per quintal.
The highest market price was recorded at the Niphad sub-market, where red onions were sold for a maximum of Rs. 4,000 per quintal. The minimum price in Niphad stood at Rs. 1,200, with an average of Rs. 2,850 per quintal. The local market committee has been praised by farmers for securing the highest price in the region.
Despite the government’s 20% export duty on onions, market demand for red onions has remained strong. However, market committee officials note that a decrease in production is causing supply constraints, preventing a more significant price surge.
“If the central government lifts the 20% export duty, farmers will benefit even more,” said Narendra Vadhana, Chief Secretary of the committee. He further highlighted that while the current price rise is encouraging, better export policies could provide additional financial relief to onion growers.
The recent price hike has provided some respite to farmers, but they continue to urge the government for policy changes that support their long-term profitability.