'Onion prices to drop in 10 days on new crop arrivals'

Onion prices are likely to fall in the next 7-10 days with the arrival of new crops, says a top government official.

"The steps the government has taken have helped in drastic reduction in onion prices. New arrival will come, prices will come down in next 7-10 days," Agriculture Secretary P K Basu told reporters here on the sidelines of a CII event on cold chain management.

Onion prices have soared to Rs 70-85 per kg in Delhi and other major cities from Rs 35-40 per kg last week due to damage of onion crops because of rains in southern and western states of the country, coupled with hoarding.

"Easing of prices has already started. Prices have come down already in all markets, not only in Delhi," the secretary said.

Asked whether the government plans to import onions, Basu said: "The private sector is planning (to import). We have not taken any decision."