Onion prices will remain high for next 2-3 weeks: Sharad Pawar

Sharad PawarOnion prices will likely remain high for the next two-three weeks, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar admitted.

Addressing a gathering at the 8th national Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) conference in Bangalore on Wednesday, Pawar said next two-three weeks will remain tough, adding that he favoured urgent import of onions from foreign countries.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "In my assessment; this situation will continue the next two-three weeks. I have instructed the managing director of NAFED that if there is a request from a state (for importing onions), we should be ready."

NAFED has already floated a tender for import of onions from Pakistan, Iran, China and Egypt. The tender seeks applications by 29th of October, and says that the onions should be delivered to NAFED warehouse on Lawrence Road in Delhi. It may be noted here that Delhi C. M. Sheila Dikshit faces Assembly elections in around a month.

Meanwhile, Food Minister KV Thomas is going to hold a meeting with Agriculture Minister Pawar on Thursday to discuss available options to arrest onion prices.

Onion prices continue to hover around the record-high level of Rs 100 a kg.