The arrival of onions in India during the first 20 days of January has seen a decrease compared to 2024 in major markets like Azadpur, Bhopal, Indore, Lucknow, and Vashi. The estimated decrease in arrival is as follows: Azadpur with 8,000 tons, Bhopal with 28 tons, Indore with 2,000 tons, Vashi (Mumbai) with 800 tons, and Lucknow with 2,200 tons less in comparison to January 2024.
January 2024, the average minimum price of onions in Bhopal's mandi was ₹1,557 and the maximum was ₹1,613 per quintal. However, in January 2025, the minimum price dropped to ₹1,425, and the maximum price decreased to ₹1,500 per quintal. This represents an approximate decrease of 8.48% in the average minimum price and 7.01% in the average maximum price compared to January 2024.
January 2024, the average minimum price in Azadpur was ₹500 and the maximum price was ₹2,507 per quintal. In comparison, January 2025 shows a significant rise, with the average minimum price at ₹967 and the maximum at ₹2,800 per quintal. This indicates a 93.4% increase in the average minimum price and an 11.68% increase in the average maximum price compared to January 2024.
| Mandi Name | Variety | Arrival (in tons) | Average Minimum Price (₹/quintal) | Average Maximum Price (₹/quintal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) | Bellary | 59.5 | 1557 | 1613 |
| Azadpur (Delhi) | Onion | 18,809 | 500 | 2507 |
| Indore (Madhya Pradesh) | Onion | 19,626 | 515 | 2038 |
| Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) | Red | 4431 | 1930 | 2028 |
| Vashi New Mumbai (Maharashtra) | Other | 17,480 | 1505 | 2330 |
| Mandi Name | Variety | Arrival (in tons) | Average Minimum Price (₹/quintal) | Average Maximum Price (₹/quintal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) | Onion | 31 | 1425 | 1500 |
| Azadpur (Delhi) | Onion | 10,591 | 967 | 2800 |
| Indore (Madhya Pradesh) | Onion | 17,616 | 729 | 2507 |
| Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) | Red | 2220 | 2406 | 2514 |
| Vashi New Mumbai (Maharashtra) | Other | 18,285 | 835 | 2905 |
January 2024, the average minimum price of onions in Indore was ₹515 and the maximum was ₹2,038 per quintal. By January 2025, the average minimum price increased to ₹729, and the maximum price rose to ₹2,507 per quintal. This marks a 41.49% increase in the average minimum price and a 23.01% rise in the average maximum price.
January 2024, the average minimum price in Lucknow was ₹1,930 and the maximum was ₹2,028 per quintal. In January 2025, the prices surged to ₹2,406 for the minimum and ₹2,514 for the maximum per quintal, reflecting a 24.69% increase in the average minimum price and a 23.96% increase in the average maximum price.
January 2024, Vashi had an average minimum price of ₹1,505 and a maximum of ₹2,330 per quintal. In contrast, January 2025 saw a decrease in the average minimum price to ₹835, while the maximum price remained the same at ₹2,330 per quintal. The average minimum price decreased by 44.52%, but there was no change in the average maximum price.
Fluctuations in Onion Production during Kharif and Rabi Seasons: Due to favorable monsoon rains and weather conditions in 2024-25, onion production is expected to increase compared to the previous year. The Kharif and late Kharif onion production is expected to be better due to increased sowing, and Rabi onion planting is also progressing well. However, in 2023-24, domestic onion production saw a significant 20% decrease, and international price hikes posed challenges in maintaining onion prices.
Government Support and Buffer Stock Purchases: The government has made strategic purchases for buffer stock with 4.7 LMT of onions bought for Rabi 2024 at an average price of ₹2,833 per quintal, which is higher than last year's ₹1,724 per quintal. This has been beneficial for onion farmers. Additionally, onions from buffer stock were supplied through retail outlets and mobile vans at ₹35 per kilogram from September to December 2024. This initiative aimed at enhancing the supply to major consumption centers in the open market.
