BELAGAVI
As heavy rains continue to lash onion growing regions in Maharashtra and North Karnataka region, onion supplies have been further hit and a further onion shortage to Goa is expected as a fewer number of trucks carrying onions have arrived in Belagavi.
On Wednesday, one of the two designated days of wholesale supply, about 60 truckloads of onion arrived at APMC wholesale market, which is supposed to be the major day of supply of onion.
According to farmers, the situation is grim as several tonnes of onion have been damaged while the future onion stocks are expected to reach market only after a couple of months.
“About 60 truckloads of onion arrived today in APMC market, of which about 20 truckloads were sent to Goa. We are feeling the scarcity as the few onion stocks are being purchased for Rs 60-80 a kilo,” Sambhaji Hongekar of Yogesh traders told The Goan.
“With heavy rains in Mudhol, Bijapur and Bagalkote region, onion supplies from North Karnataka have also dwindled, Sambhajirao said.
Farmers from Lasalgaon and Nasik who had brought their produce to APMC on Wednesday said that hardly any onion stocks are left with farmers.
While some farmers are holding their stocks expecting higher rates, majority of the stocks and new yield got spoilt due to rains.
“Its only after two months we can expect the new yield to arrive in the market. But it all depends on rains,” lamented a farmer from Nasik.
