Government aims to stabilise prices of potato and onion

The government announced that prices of vegetables, particularly onions and potatoes, are expected to stabilize as more produce is being released from storage facilities.

The Ministry of Agriculture attributed this stability to a good monsoon, which led to increased sowing of horticulture crops like onions and potatoes across the country during the kharif season. The release of rabi onions alongside the onset of monsoon rains has contributed to this market balance.

This year, the target area under kharif onion cultivation has increased by 27 per cent, with Karnataka being the leading producer. Additionally, the harvest of kharif potatoes from September to November is expected to augment market availability.

Despite last year’s lower output causing high prices, the situation is expected to improve as storage capacities are effectively utilized. The demand for potatoes, onions, and tomatoes has risen due to shortages in other vegetables like okra, gourds, beans, and cabbage.