Onion price hike.

Onion price hike has helped Kerala merchants to book some quick bucks. The Monday morning onion price of Rs 50 has elevated Rs 80 a kg in the evening. Though not an essential commodity for survival of man some taste seekers got panic over onion shortage and then a few unscrupulous merchants made it an opportunity. The government which is bound to act suddenly hibernates over other things. The Kerala Food Minister’s office showing no interest on onion shortage contemplates over the sale of uneatable items through civil supplies outlets. It has been identified that 24 items sold by Kerala Civil Supplies stores are n not suited for consumption.

While the Centre Government moved into action immediately the Kerala State government has not taken it as an issue. And when the Commerce and Industry Ministry says the country has enough stocks of onion and going to get more from Pakistan for a price of Rs 18, the huge price now collected by vegetable merchants is doubtful. The common people should keep out for a little from the onion market so that onion now available with the greedy merchants must be allowed to decay.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express 23-12-10