Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Households across Odisha are feeling the pinch of the rise in the prices of onion. The price rise of onions comes in the backdrop of the steep rise in tomato prices in the recent past. As per reports, the price of onion has increased by Rs 10 in the last 12 days. It is now being sold at Rs 35 per kg against the previous rate of Rs 25 per kg. In Bhubaneswar, onion is being sold at a price ranging from Rs 35 to 40 in various retail markets.
“Earlier we used to sell onion at Rs 25 per kg and now we are selling at a price ranging between Rs 35 to 40. There is the possibility that it may touch Rs 80 in the coming days,” said a trader.
A customer suggested that the government intervene and take action to lower the cost of key veggies. At Chhatrabazar in Cuttack, the circumstance is comparable. The market’s secretary, Devendra Sahu, stated, “The rains in various areas of the nation harmed the crops in various ways. Particularly in southern areas, the fresh harvest, which typically begins in August, has been postponed. We will be forced to deal with this shortfall till the next crop comes in. In the meanwhile, the government on Saturday increased the export tariff on onions by 40% through December 31. On Saturday, word of the news was sent out by notification.
This notification shall come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force up to and inclusive of December 31, 2023. The prices of several vegetables including onions, potatoes, and tomatoes have skyrocketed in the last few weeks. Following the soaring prices of tomatoes, the government decided that it will sell tomatoes at Rs 40 per kg from August 20 onwards with an aim to further cool down its prices
