- Erratic rainfall disrupts sowing schedules in Belagavi
- Inter-state supplies bridge regional onion supply gap
Onion prices in Belagavi have increased sharply ahead of the festive season as market supplies tighten and the arrival of the new local crop is delayed. According to news reports, retail onion prices have risen to INR 60-70/kg from around INR 40/kg last week.
Traders said supplies from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab are currently helping meet demand in the Belagavi market. Higher prices in the border region have also encouraged farmers and traders in Maharashtra to release stored onion stocks into Belagavi.
Delayed local arrivals tighten regional availability
According to news reports, Belagavi district has around 7,350 hectares under onion cultivation and is among Karnataka’s major horticulture-producing districts. However, delayed monsoon onset pushed back sowing, affecting the timing of the new crop
APMC officials said nearly 21,000 quintals of onions arrived in the market during the previous week. Local onions generally begin entering the market in September, but this year’s arrivals are now expected only from October, extending the period of dependence on supplies from other states.
Weather impacts and lower supplies support prices
According to news reports, wholesale onion prices in Belagavi have increased from around INR 2,500/quintal to INR 5,500/quintal over the past month. The sharp increase reflects tighter availability amid uneven production conditions.
Farmer representatives attributed the price rise to weather-related yield losses, with drought affecting some areas while excessive rainfall damaged crops elsewhere. Reduced supplies from northern India and stockholding by traders were also cited as factors contributing to the price increase.
With the festive season approaching, sustained consumer demand could keep prices firm in the short term. However, increased arrivals from the local harvest could improve availability and moderate prices from October onward.
Outlook
Belagavi onion prices are likely to remain elevated until local arrivals improve. The timing and volume of October arrivals will be critical in determining whether the current supply tightness eases. Any further weather disruptions could extend the period of higher prices.
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