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Onion exporters have begun to hold back their consignments after overseas buyers complained of quality problems.
“We have received complaints with regard to 6-7 consignments out of 10 consignments sent,” said Mr Rupesh Jaju, Director at Nashik-based United Pacific Agro Pvt Ltd that exports onions.
According to sources, four consignments have been rejected. Buyers in Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and other Gulf countries have complained of quality problems.
“This is a general problem that crops up during summer due to heat. Only knowledgeable exporters and buyers will be able to overcome this problem,” said Mr Madan Prakash, Director of Rajathi Group of companies that exports agricultural produce.
As such about 75 per cent of onions that arrive in markets surrounding growing areas in Maharashtra, Gujarat and other States are of inferior quality.
“Farmers are sorting out good ones from average quality ones. They are storing good ones, expecting to fetch better prices later,” said Mr Jaju. Onions that are grown during rabi can be stored for a longer period as they have a better shelf life.
Compared with last week, onion prices were up by Rs 25-30 a quintal, mainly on the higher side.
Prices on the higher side averaged Rs 522 a quintal and on the lower side averaged Rs 191. The overall average price was Rs 379.
At Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee yard, Asia's biggest onion market, the modal price or the rate at which most trades took place was Rs 370 on Friday, the same as last week.
Arrivals in Maharashtra during the last three days were 25,800 tonnes with Nashik accounting for 41 per cent and Ahmednagar 16 per cent.he situation is likely to continue for another two weeks,” said Mr Jaju.“From June onwards, quality onions will begin arriving in the market and it will perk up prices,” said Mr Prakash.
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