Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has predicted that the price of onion will continue to remain high till December.
The price of small onions is also expected to remain high till December, and is likely to dip only by January- February next year.
A statement from TNAU said excess rain in onion growing states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh has resulted in slump in production, which led to the price hike.
“When the new harvest arrives, the price is anticipated to dip. The ban on onion export by the Centre from mid-September has controlled the price rise to a certain extent,’’ TNAU said in a statement.
As far as small onions are considered, Tamil Nadu has about 25,000 tonnes in reserve, which will last for two months till the next harvest arrives.
Small onions, widely cultivated in the state, is heavily affected by basal rot disease, TNAU said. The disease has been observed for the last two years in onion cultivating areas of the State.
"At present, the total stock in Tamil Nadu is 25,000 tonnes, which arrived from various districts including Tirunelveli, Theni, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Madurai and Dindigul. Current onion stock is expected to meet the demand for next 40 days,’’ TNAU said.