Rising Onion and Potato Prices: Impact on Households
Nagpur,India- Onion and potato prices have shot up in the Kalamna wholesale market because there's not enough supply. Last month, they cost Rs 20 per kg, but now they're between Rs 30 to Rs 35 per kg. This sudden increase has surprised many housewives, messing up their monthly budgets and affecting how much food they can buy.
Gaurav Harde, who heads the Kanda Batata Aditya Welfare Association at Kalamna market, explained that the shortage of onions is because heavy rains in April damaged the stored stock from places like Nashik, Nagar, and Aurangabad. Normally, these onions are released gradually to keep prices stable, but this time, that plan didn't work out.
Potato prices have also gone up because last year's November rains damaged the crops, reducing this year's harvest. Earlier this year, new potatoes were selling at Rs 15 per kg, way higher than last year's Rs 8 to Rs 10 per kg. There aren't enough potatoes coming from Agra to Kalamna either, just about 15 to 20 trucks a day. Farmers and traders are struggling to cover their costs and might need to sell potatoes for Rs 40 per kg just to break even.
Harde warned that onion prices might climb even higher, up to Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg soon. This situation is tough for everyone involved, making it harder to plan meals and stick to budgets.
