Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7 (UDN): Onion prices have climbed to around Rs 70 per kg across several parts of Odisha as a sharp drop in market arrivals has tightened supplies and increased pressure on consumers and retailers.

The shortage is particularly visible at Cuttack’s Chhatra Bazar, one of the state’s major vegetable markets. Traders said the market earlier received around five to six trucks loaded with onions every day. However, arrivals have now fallen to just one or two trucks occasionally, resulting in a significant rise in prices.

The supply crunch has been reported in several other markets, including Balasore, Berhampur and Bolangir, where consumers are also facing higher retail rates.

Odisha Relies Heavily on Outside Supplies

Limited onion cultivation within Odisha has made the state largely dependent on supplies from other parts of the country. Onion production is concentrated in a few areas, particularly parts of western Odisha and Angul, while cultivation remains limited in most other districts.

As a result, Odisha relies on supplies from major producing and trading centres such as Nashik in Maharashtra, along with Delhi and Andhra Pradesh. Traders said any disruption or decline in arrivals from these sources quickly affects prices in local markets.

Vegetable vendors said the volatile wholesale market has made it difficult for them to maintain stable retail prices. While customers are complaining about the higher rates, retailers too are uncertain about procurement costs and future supplies.

Consumers, meanwhile, said the increase in prices of onions and other vegetables has put additional pressure on household budgets. Many have reduced their purchases and are trying to manage their daily requirements within limited spending.

Maharashtra Weather Impacts Onion Supply

Traders have partly attributed the latest supply constraints to reduced availability from Maharashtra. They said adverse weather conditions affecting onion-growing areas there have contributed to the decline in supplies reaching Odisha.

With fewer trucks arriving at major markets and demand remaining steady, prices have continued to remain elevated.

However, market experts expect the situation to improve after the middle of September, which could bring some relief to consumers if onion arrivals increase.

The continuing price rise has prompted consumers to seek immediate measures to ensure adequate supplies and prevent further escalation. Locals have urged the authorities to closely monitor market arrivals and take steps to maintain sufficient stocks of onions across the state.