Amid shortage of onions from Nashik, popularity of Mewati onions grow

Gurugram: Just like other parts of the country, the shortage of onions from Nashik has resulted in an increase in prices in Gurugram. Onions in the area are being retailed at Rs 70 to 80 per kilogram. Even though it does not match the quality of onions from the western part, the onions from Mewat have begun to gain popularity. In the retail market, these onions are being sold at Rs 40 to 50 per kg. This year there has been a bumper production of onions in Mewat and the shortage of onions from Maharashtra has resulted in even the farmers from Gurugram's neighbour Mewat getting good sale prices for their produce.

"The quality and size of onions coming from Nashik are superior and bigger. The shortage of onions due to unseasonal rains, however, has resulted in onions from Mewat getting a lot of traction. Compared to onions from Maharashtra they are much more reasonable. I will even say that the presence of Mewati onions as an alternative has not resulted in a sudden escalation of prices," said Radhey Shyam who is a seller at the Gurugram vegetable wholesale market.

Ram Yadav who purchases his stock of vegetables and fruits from the Gurugram wholesale market said, "The onions from Mewat can be considered in terms of flavouring your dishes but no doubt onions from Maharashtra are juicier and tasty and cannot be replaced from the plate of your salad. For balancing my budget I am purchasing both these types of onions. I also feel that we must not be only dependent on one region for our food needs and should diversify our products if possible."

Unlike other parts of the state, shortage of groundwater and poor supply of canal water has resulted in the farmers from Mewat — the most backward district in the country — to rely on the growth of crops like sorghum, chickpea and onions. A recent addition to the list of crops grown in the district, it is estimated that over 3,000 acres of agricultural land is used to grow onions. This year has witnessed a bumper production of onions and has been finding many takers.