Mushroom, onion prices rise on short supplies

Wholesale prices of onion and mushroom have increased massively over the past fortnight, thanks to drop in supplies. According to Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board, price of mushroom soared by 40 percent to Rs 200 per kg while onion became dearer by 36 percent to Rs 82 per kg on Monday. “Price, supply and demand of mushroom in the Kalimati market is fluctuating. You don´t know when its demand and supply decline and soar,” Binaya Shrestha, senior planning officer at the board, told Republica. “Irregular supply is the only reason behind huge rise in mushroom prices.” Shrestha further added that drop in the demand for chicken following bird-flu outbreak has sent the demand for mushroom soaring. The valley consumes around two tons of mushrooms a day in average. Mushrooms mostly come from farms in Bhaktapur, Kavre, Chitwan and Kathmandu. Likewise, price of onion increased by Rs 22 per kg over the past fortnight. According to board officials, price of onion in the domestic market has increased because of price rise in India itself. Price of onion has increased in India in recent months as farms were badly hit by the recent floods. India is the largest onion supplier to Nepal. It supplies more than 70 percent of the onion consumed in the country. According to the board, 60 tons of onions are consumed in the Kathmandu Valley every day. Average daily supply of onions to Kathmandu Valley from India hovers over 50 tons. However, the supply at present has dropped to 20-30 tons, according to a wholesaler. Mushroom was retailed at Rs 240 per kg on Sunday, while onion was available in the market at Rs 100 per kg.