Record Onion Arrivals at Gondal-Mahuva Market Yard: 10 km Long Lines, Prices Drop to Rs. 8-24 Per Kg, Farmers Express Discontent
The Gondal and Mahuva marketing yards in Saurashtra have experienced a surge in onion arrivals. Both markets have witnessed record-breaking arrivals, filling up with onions. Since 9 PM last night, Gondal yard saw its first significant influx of onions this year, surpassing three lakh quintals.
Although the influx of onions has been substantial, farmers are not entirely satisfied with the prices. Currently, the price of a 20 kg bag of onions is ranging from Rs. 150 to Rs. 481, which many farmers consider to be too low.
Long Lines at Gondal Marketing Yard Due to Massive Onion Arrivals
The Gondal marketing yard has become a hub for onion distribution, attracting farmers from across Saurashtra. Long queues have formed on both sides of the yard, stretching 8 to 10 kilometers, with lines of 2,500 to 2,800 vehicles.
Reports indicate that around 300 vehicles filled with onions are still waiting outside the market yard.
Farmer Appeals to Government for Better Onion Prices
Rahul Bhandeiri, a farmer from Leemtra village in Visavadar taluka, who came to sell onions, shared that he has an estimated seven acres of onion crop, with about three to three and a half acres ready for sale.
He mentioned that 35% of the onions are small in size, with the price for a 20 kg bag being around Rs. 650. Just a week ago, the same onions were being sold for Rs. 800 to Rs. 900. Rahul appealed to the government to improve the prices, stating that it would be beneficial for all farmers.
Farmer Highlights High Costs and Appeals for Better Onion Prices
Gopal Dayabhai Dholariya, a farmer from Patapur village in Junagadh district, shared that although onions are being sold at Rs. 401 per 20 kg, the cost of production is much higher. He explained that 50% of the expenses are labor costs, which are not affordable for the farmers.
Gopal requested a price increase, suggesting that Rs. 600 to Rs. 700 per 20 kg would be fair. He also appealed to the government to begin exporting onions, as it could help improve prices and make them more accessible to farmers. He mentioned that for his four-acre onion crop, the total expenses exceeded Rs. 1 lakh, making it difficult for him to make a profit.
Mahuva Yard Sees Record Onion Arrivals, Prices Drop Significantly
Mahuva marketing yard has witnessed a record-breaking arrival of onions, surpassing 3 lakh and 20 thousand quintals. However, despite the massive influx of red onions, prices plummeted today.
Within just two days, the price halved, with onions being sold at Rs. 250 to Rs. 350 per 20 kg. The increase in supply at the market has led to this drop in prices. Out of the total 3,20,000 quintals, 2,40,000 quintals were red onions, and 80,000 quintals were white onions.
Traders from Other States Rush to Buy Onions Amid Falling Prices
Traders from over 20 different states have flooded the marketing yard to purchase onions due to the low prices. This surge in purchasing activity is a result of the price drop.
However, if the market continues to decline, it could severely impact onion-growing farmers, as their situation may worsen. Over the past two days, prices have fallen by 40 to 50%, and the rush among traders to buy onions has intensified.
Farmers Face Losses Due to Falling Prices, Appeal for Removal of Export Duty
Farmers are bearing the brunt of falling onion prices, leading to significant losses. They are calling for the government to remove the 20% export duty, as it is believed that its removal could bring substantial benefits to farmers.
Despite their hard work, farmers grow onions with the hope of earning a profit, but upon seeing the low prices at the yard, their frustration is evident. Farmers who came with hopes of good prices are now disheartened by the steep decline in the market.
