Despite kharif loss, Centre pegs 7% rise in 2019-20 onion output

Overall vegetable production estimated higher than last year at 188 mt; that of fruit, spices could be a little less

While onion prices continue to remain hot, latest government data show production in the 2019-20 full crop year (July-June) could be seven per cent more than last year.

This is in sharp contrast with the government’s projection for the year’s kharif and late kharif crop, which estimated a 22 per cent drop.

The first advance full-year estimate for 2019-20 horticulture crops was issued on Monday. The data could mean the Centre expects a bumper rabi onion crop, compensating for the kharif and late kharif harvests.

A November 2019 report of the agriculture ministry pegs kharif and late kharif production for