“Red onion season in India kicks off with Dussehra celebrations”

India's onion market is entering a period of strong supply and quality of both pink and red onions, says Shvam Dhumal, Director at fresh produce exporter Agroindi EXIM Pvt Ltd., based in Maharashtra, India. "This year, the availability of both pink and red onions is good as the production is higher than in the previous seasons."

According to Dhumal, the transition from pink to red onions typically picks up in October: "Pink onions peak in March and April across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, stay in storehouses, and continue selling through December. Red onions follow, first appearing in Karnataka in August. Then, Maharashtra's hub of Nashik launches the season in October with Dussehra rituals in local markets. Rajasthan comes next, marking geographic milestones for the red onion harvest."

Onion farmers in Nashik celebrated Dusshera on 2nd October by bringing their first red onions to market, blending business with tradition. "Growers start the red onion season with gratitude and rituals on the auspicious day of Dusshera," Dhumal notes.

This year, Dhumal describes both production and quality as above average. "Cultivation and quality are strong, with the season expected to last until March, depending on the weather. Recent rains caused delays, but as per forecasts, clearer skies will make way for steady arrivals over the next month." Dhumal also predicts a stable price performance over the next weeks, supported by a stable supply of onions from India and Turkey.

Dhumal highlights that export demand is especially strong from Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which favour Indian red onions for their colour, water content, and flavour, especially in processed foods and daily cuisine. He mentions, "With Chinese onion supplies tapering off, demand from these countries is expected to grow."

Looking ahead, Dhumal says that the red onion season will create a window of opportunity for importers, who can offer both pink and red varieties through December. "Good arrivals are predicted in Nashik over the next three to four weeks, as long as the weather holds. Demand for Indian onions is expected to stay strong in domestic and global markets, with exporters confident of a stable and profitable season."

For more information:
Shvam Dhumal
Agroindi EXIM Pvt Ltd
Tel: +91 91 12 200 621
Email: [email protected]
www.agroindi.in