Hyderabad: To meet the city’s demand for onions, the Centre has told the state govt to establish three onion clusters. These clusters will be developed over large areas within 100 km of the city, spanning seven suburban districts. In addition to Hyderabad, similar clusters are also being planned near Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Chennai and Bengaluru.
The horticulture department has identified Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, Gadwal, and Narayanpet districts for onion farming in the state. Farmers in these areas are being motivated to concentrate on onion production. With improved groundwater levels from recent heavy rains, many farmers are now looking to cultivate onions along with other vegetables.
“We are giving inputs to the Centre and helping farmers grow onions,” an offcial said, adding that onions can be harvested in about 100 days and the cost on one acre is approximately Rs 60,000, with a possible yield of 70 to 80 quintals per acre.
Currently, the city needs 3.87 lakh tonnes of onion annually but is able to produce only 1.5 lakh tonnes. In main Rabi season, onions are cultivated in around 10,000 acres but this has to be increased to 28,000 acres, officials said.
As onion production is not enough to satisfy local demand, it has resulted in a significant rise in prices. In Malakpet wholesale market, onions are priced at around Rs 40, while in rythu bazaar they cost Rs 45. In the open market, prices vary between Rs 50 and Rs 60 per kg.
