Seasonal fluctuations and price dynamics in onion markets of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

The present study investigates the seasonal fluctuations in arrivals and prices of onions across four major markets in Eastern Uttar Pradesh— Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, and Varanasi—using secondary data spanning from 2005-06 to 2019-20. The data were obtained from the Directorate of Agriculture Marketing, U.P., Rajya Krishi Utpadan Mandi Parishad, and other relevant sources. To analyze trends and patterns, a 12-month moving average technique was employed. The findings indicate that onion arrivals exhibit significant seasonality, peaking in the months of March to June, resulting in a glut in the markets and corresponding price depressions. Conversely, from July to January, a steady decline in arrivals was observed, leading to increased price indices due to reduced supply and storage costs. The study also highlights the inverse relationship between arrivals and prices, as confirmed by graphical representations. Moreover, irregular fluctuations in onion arrivals were identified, attributed to perishability, climatic variations, and supply chain disruptions. These findings emphasize the need for improved market intelligence and storage facilities to stabilize onion prices and ensure farmer profitability. The study provides policy recommendations for mitigating price volatility through better storage infrastructure and market forecasting mechanisms.