Nasik onion traders go on two-day strike

Onion traders in Nasik went on a two-day strike on Thursday over the governments decision to suspend onion exports for 15 days.

Nasik, Oct 4 : Onion traders in Nasik went on a two-day strike on Thursday over the government's decision to suspend onion exports for 15 days.

The price of onion is expected to shoot up further in next few days in the wake of a short supply during the strike, as Nasik houses the largest wholesale market of onions in the country.

Traders said any respite was unlikely for the next 15-20 days because of high demand, even as there is no problem in arrival of the stock.

Damage caused to onion crops following heavy rains in major onion producing states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka has also affected the capital markets with prices shooting up at an alarming rate, making the consumers to bear the brunt of the price rise.

"The price of onions should not rise, we have stopped eating onions due to the price rise. The price of onions keeps fluctuating, and it is not affordable for the common man. The government should pay attention to such price rise and try to reduce the price," said Asha Parimal, a housewife.

Concerned over the skyrocketing prices of onion, the government has decided to stop exports of the vegetable to ensure adequate stocks are available in domestic markets.

Prices hit the roof as demand rose in the wake up of festive season. However, the wholesalers in the city feel this is a temporary phase, and would soon be over once fresh stock comes.

ANI