Based on time series analysis, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has, in its pre-sowing price forecast, estimated the farm gate price of good quality small onion to rule around ₹30 to ₹35 per kilogram at the time of harvest.

The Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) of Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, TNAU, predicted the market after analysing prices in Dindigul market for the past 15 years, besides conducting a market survey.

Dindigul, Tiruppur, Perambalur, Trichy, Namakkal, Theni, and Madurai constitute key producing areas. Domestic demand is supplemented by inflows from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Small onions account for nearly 80 per cent of Tamil Nadu’s total onion production. Cultivated across 0.44 lakh hectares, the crop yielded 5.28 lakh tonnes during 2024–25 with an average productivity of 12 tonnes per hectare, a TNAU press release said.

Small onion is supplied from Tamil Nadu, a major export hub, to markets in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Nepal. Trade sources indicate strong international demand during this season, with exports accounting for roughly 5 to 10 percent of small onion output.

DEMIC - CARDS will provide more details on marketing, and technical details will be made available through TNAU’s Department of Vegetable Crops, the press release said.

Published - July 21, 2026 07:21 pm IST