Unseasonal Rains Likely To Damage Onion Crops Across Maharashtra, Prices Set To Rise Sharply
Unseasonal Rains Likely To Damage Onion Crops Across Maharashtra, Prices Set To Rise Sharply ( Representative Image )
Mumbai: Onion growers in Maharashtra are reeling under heavy losses as unseasonal rains combined with extreme heat have severely damaged onion crops across key producing regions. This is expected to cause a sharp rise in onion prices in the coming weeks, impacting household budgets, especially in urban areas.
Regions like Konkan, Nashik, Pune, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Latur, Amravati, and Nagpur have been experiencing continuous rainfall since May 6. The unseasonal showers struck during the harvest period of the rabi crop, damaging both standing and harvested onions, leading to major disruptions in the supply chain.
Although current prices remain relatively low, the supply shortage is likely to push retail and wholesale prices up soon. Farmers in Dhule, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Beed, Dharashiv, Akola, Jalna, Buldhana, and Jalgaon also reported extensive crop losses due to rainfall.
The Maharashtra State Onion Growers Association, stated that prices, which were already low, have dipped even further due to crop damage. While early harvesters before March managed to secure decent yields, those who waited until April or May suffered due to extreme weather fluctuations — first high heat, then heavy rain.
As of May 20, the average onion price at the Lasalgaon market was ₹1,150 per quintal. However, with ongoing losses, supply may dwindle, exerting pressure on wholesale prices.
Maharashtra, being the country’s largest onion exporter, might also face export curbs if prices surge. In the past, the government has responded to similar situations by imposing export duties, setting minimum export prices, or banning exports entirely — moves that often hurt farmers’ incomes.
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