Onion prices go through the roof: Nimroz residents

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Residents of southwestern Nimroz province are annoyed by the surprisingly increased onion prices, saying they cannot afford to buy the high-demand vegetable.

Mirwais, a resident of Zaranj city, the provincial capital, told Pajhwok Afghan News the retail price of onion surged significantly during the last one month.

Previously, he said, one kilo of onion was sold for 20 afghanis in Zaranj city, but during the past one month, its price jumped to 100 afghanis per kg for being in short supply.

He added:”Onion is an essential part of any kind of savory dish, therefore its daily consumption is high. When it is so expensive, what people should use in their meals.”

Nadia, a resident of Kang district, told Pajhwok one kilo of onion was sold for 110 afghanis in the market, which was beyond the reach of the poor.

Accusing the officials of indifference, she added:”The government must think about the people, address their issues and the municipality should check and regulate market rates on a daily basis.”

Fakhruddin, an onion wholesaler in the city, said the price of onion considerably increased due to its growing export to Pakistan.

However, he said onion from Tajikistan and India would start arriving in the country in the next few days and it would help reduce the vegetable’s prices.

However, Zaranj Mayor MaulviNooruddin Hamza told Pajhwok onion prices surged due to its shortage in the market. He said it was not onion plantation season.

He added onion priced had surged in other provinces as well, but as onion was not produced in Nimroz, its pricec raised more than in any other province. “Only the price of onion in Delaram district where onion is cultivated is a little down compared to other districts and regions”.

The mayor said he did not know onion price had gone up to 100 afghanis a kilo and promised to discuss it with the head of vegetable sellers during a meeting.

Ja/ma