Ahead of Eidul Azha Iranian onion import stablises rates

Massive import of onion has largely helped stabilise rates of one of the most demanded items in the wholesale and retail markets of Karachi — just two days before the holy festival of Eid ul Azha, spelling some financial relief to a large number of consumers.

During the last few weeks, shortage of the most demanded vegetable of every kitchen had pushed its rates — to whopping Rs 65 to Rs 70 per kg — beyond the buying capacity of the helpless consumers, especially those hailing from the lower segment of the population.

Traders and wholesalers of the onion blamed the previous months devastating floods in Sindh as the prime reason for the shortage of the vegetable largely responsible for its soaring price in both wholesale and retail markets.

First shipment carrying 200 metric tonnes of onion — out of the total 500 metric tonnes ordered by the importers — reached Karachi a few days back via road, which has largely helped keep a control on surging rates of fresh Sindh Crop that previously had put severe financial strains on the helpless consumers of largest city of the country.

Compared to Sindh Crop, which was available in the wholesale markets at high rates of Rs 45 to Rs 50 per kg, the Irani onion is available at Rs 40 to Rs 45 per kg, which is now preferred by most of the buyers.

Haji Shahjahan, President Wholesale Vegetable Welfare Association Sabzi Mandi, Karachi replying to a query of the scribe acknowledged about significance of the imported onion for consumers of lower segment of the population in terms of low price.

He claimed that further import of onion from Iran during the next week would help further bring down rates of one of the most demanded vegetables before and during Eid ul Azha, which has so far tested nerves of the consumers of the largest city of the country.

When asked about the rates of tomato — another hot item of the Eid ul Azha, he informed that consumers must have heaved a sigh of relief as its prices have nosedived during the last few days and is currently available in the wholesale markets at Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg depending upon its quality desired by the buyer.

It may be recalled here that about a fortnight ago, tomato was selling in the wholesale markets at Rs 65 to Rs 70 per kg, pushing its rates beyond the buying capacity of overwhelming segment of the population of Karachi.