EXCITING NEWS CORNER-Journey of Humble Bulb-Onions

Journey of a humble bulb to most menacing avatar!

Onions-The New Turmoil!

Bogging down! Bogged down! Bogged down all the way should be the new jingle instead of London Bridge is falling down! This summer is already in news for the toughest times ever witnessed and horrified with horrendous global issues like Inflation! Recession! Money laundering and hoarding of essential commodities, unemployment blues and

list goes on and on….. Beyond the imagination of a common man. To rub salt on already increasing wounds created by rising woes, it’s the increase in rates of the simple yet humblest bulb-The Onions which has touched the tearful mark of Rs. 80 per KG and Rs. 5200 per quintal! Shocking! True facto that this bulb which used to bring tears on eyes when cut, but enhances power and taste of food is no longer common man’s best friend.

            

VARIETIES OF ONIONS

   One cannot completely ignore the utility it creates as being ever used spice in any food,making it a vital, trademark ingredient in kitchens and loved by leading chefs, homemakers and even general public which is very hard to be replaced on platter with any other spice, vegetables or even condiments used to salivate our taste buds in natural kitchens specifically in world famous cuisines like ours adds to the misery.

                One can leave the platter dry without commodities like Carrots, Cauliflower or other vegetables, but without Onions! Practically it’s impossible to manage general household or food. Such is the menace that some have named it “Real TEARJERKER”, “Menacing bulb”, “political imbroglio”, “Golden vegetable/spice” and many more……. In fact according to key sources compiled from leading newspaper dailies and potato, onion merchant association, it’s one of the steepest hikes this satiating bulb, spice has ever witnessed in last 3-4 years.

Illustration with startling facts to how humble bulb has created havoc, fear in minds of GP:

Menacing Avatar of Humble Bulbs-Onions

 v 2008-Onion, potato prices stood at just RS.55/-Only per Kg.

 v2009 – Onion, Potato price decreased from Rs 55/-Only per Kg to Rs. 25-30/-Only per Kg.

 v 2010- Again became dearer by RS.5-6 to end up at Rs 40-41/-only per Kg.

 v  2011- Saw a steep rise again as gold prices and became dearer again by RS.7-8 to end up again crossing Rs.50/-only                                                       per Kg.

  v  2012- Declined by Rs.5 to end up again at Rs.45/-only per Kg.

 v  2013- Steepest hike of Rs.40 viz 10 times its normal hike pattern to end up currently at Rs.80-82/-only per Kg and small and midsized onions saw an overall hike of Rs 20-25/-only per Kg to end up at all time high of Rs 60-65/-only per Kg.

v The word ‘only’ describes the callousness of our government, carefree attitude of general public as well as our adjusting character towards government’s take on price hike. In fact issue is so grave that “Onions” have also been deemed to be more costlier than “King of fruits Mangoes, Subtle fruit Apple and ripe Pomegranates” which bear price tags of Rs 60-70-80 /-only per Kg and 4,000 per quintal compared to 5,200 per quintal.

v This crisis has hit the bulls eye at time when our current government have passed FSB (Food security bill) stating BPL (Below Poverty Line) grocers would be eligible for Rs 1 per Kg and 35 Kg’s of rice, wheat and other grains, essential pulses at Rs 2 per Kg like whole green gram, yellow dal etc and coarse cereals like Jowar, Bajra, ragi being given at Rs. 3 per Kg almost neglecting other essential commodities like “Milk (Elixir of Life), Eggs, Green chilies, spices, vegetables and even not sparing humble man’s best companions Tea and coffee”. So what’s utility of FSB???? Just touted as a political framework or one amongst never fulfilled “Election Agenda” to fool one and all.

            

                 First fuel hike, then milk prices shot to the fame, then it was the turn of gold and precious metals, then came the news and specs targeted rupee’s downsize vs USD, then came brink on Onions, Chilies, Milk and milk products and even transport and everything’s on a hike. Economy in shambles and everybody like common man to agriculture farmers, business traders, hoteliers, consumers are facing the heat & music of the price rise except the top officials/bureaucrats.

               Political imbroglio has grown now with the opposition targeting the government and its action as usual under the scanner. But the plight of people remains the same. However history sheater state that if top officials/bureaucrats fear anything, it’s the might of this bulb which has shown toppling of governments. Not a waste to call the futuristic 2014 election as “Onion Election”.             

      As usual the political bureaucrats have put the blame game on plethora of issues right from:

Ø  Incessant rains and floods everywhere to

Ø  Deflating rupee concern as primary issue to

Ø  Rise in transportation costs, export and import duties due to fuel hike.

Ø  Governmental order as per Food Act to hike famer’s, agriculturists’ commission to 6%.

Ø  Recession and hoarding of commodities by rich people for their self use.

Ø  Other contributing factors.

                 Whatsoever the humble bulb has begun its descent and is source of new headache and menace for all as nothing right can be expected from our top officials or elected representatives. What can be expected when they don’t even care for GOD! As usual we have to silently bore the wrath of all issues! Result household expenses touching new highs of Rs. 3,500-Rs 6,000/-only amongst which Rs.1, 000-1,500/-only goes as food expenses itself, savings next to null, mounting pressures, tensions both work as well as family wise, no guarantee or security of jobs even in government jobs and more.  

                Ho ho ho. Can’t just end my laughing and want to put brakes on my thoughts. Well time will come when onions and other vegetables and commodities themselves might come forward to put an end to rising issues. Till that time it’s adieu Onions! Though it remains far too distinct alternative as without Onions no flavor can be added to food course.

                      Lastly a message to Government:-

           Truly Onions are in their utmost menacing form and hope Government will do their homework before the “BIG DADDY OF 2014 ELECTIONS”. Otherwise they know it would be CURTAINS DOWN!