NAVI MUMBAI, Oct. 2 -- As prices of Maharashtra onions surge amid dwindling stocks, Egyptian onions have made their entry into the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), offering some relief to bulk buyers facing higher costs. Two containers holding approximately 60 tonnes of the Egyptian produce recently reached the market. Selling at Rs.38-40 per kg, the imported variety provides a cost-effective alternative to local Maharashtra onions, which currently fetch Rs.45-50 per kg in wholesale markets and up to Rs.70 per kg in retail. Bulk buyers and commercial establishments drive the primary demand for imported produce, with hotels purchasing around 80% of the consignment. The prospect has worried onion growers, who fear cheaper imports could erode the gains made on their remaining crop ahead of the next significant kharif harvest, expected in December. "If Egyptian onions are sold cheaper, our local farmers will suffer," said onion grower Mangesh Patil. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana president Raju Shetti also opposed further imports. "If these onions enter the market, prices will crash again, wiping out the gains farmers have just begun to make," Shetti said....