Bhubaneswar: In Odisha, while the price of potatoes has eased slightly due to increased supply following the lifting of inter-state trade restrictions by West Bengal, consumers are now grappling with a new challenge: soaring prices of onions and garlic. The price of onions has surged to over Rs 50 per kilogram, and garlic is now retailing at approximately Rs 400 per kilogram, reflecting a significant increase from just a week ago.
The sharp rise in the cost of these essential kitchen staples has sparked concern among homemakers, who fear that prices may continue to escalate due to ongoing supply shortages. Gangadhar Panda, a resident of Berhampur, expressed his frustration, stating, "The steep increase in the prices of onions and garlic is straining our budget. We’re unsure how to manage our household expenses with these inflated prices."
In Rourkela, a local customer shared similar concerns, saying, "For those of us struggling to make ends meet, these high prices are unaffordable. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to include onions and garlic in our meals."
Traders are also feeling the pinch. Arjun Nayak, a vendor in Berhampur, noted that, "Due to the sharp price increase, many customers are reluctant to purchase onions and garlic. The sudden price hike is affecting our sales significantly."
The situation is exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. Onion prices are expected to remain high due to depleted stocks in Nashik, Maharashtra—India's primary onion trading hub. Recent heavy rains have damaged crops in Nashik, further straining supply. Meanwhile, the wholesale market in Maharashtra is seeing elevated prices, which in turn affects prices in Odisha.
Bichitra Mallick, a trader in Cuttack, commented, "Despite our efforts to maintain minimal profit margins, the high prices of onions and garlic are deterring customers. We’re struggling to balance our inventory and customer demand."
The garlic shortage is partly due to poor production yields in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, affected by heavy rainfall. The situation is unlikely to improve until the next crop arrives in January. Similarly, the onion supply from Andhra Pradesh, another major source, is also compromised due to recent floods.
Debendranath Sahu, president of the Chhatra Bazar Byabasai Sangha, explained, "The old stock of onions from Nashik is being sold in Odisha, but with the new crop damaged by rains, and the situation worsening in Andhra Pradesh, it's uncertain when prices will stabilize."
As the market navigates these challenges, consumers and traders alike are hoping for relief in the near future. However, with the current weather patterns and supply chain disruptions, the outlook remains uncertain.