Government agencies NCCF and NAFED will sell onions in the retail market at a rate of Rs 35 per kilogram.
Onion Prices at Rs 35 per Kg in 5 Cities: To curb rising prices of onion, the centre has decided to increase its supply. For this, the government has decided to release its buffer stock into the open market via Kanda Express.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Monday said the central government has started transporting bulk onion stocks from Nashik, Maharastra to major consumption centers via the ‘Kanda Express’. She said the onions loaded in these racks are expected to reach the designated centers by Wednesday. Initially, the onions will be sent to Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam, and Guwahati. Other cities may be included later depending on market needs. In these cities, onions will be sold in both wholesale and retail markets. Government agencies NCCF and NAFED will sell onions in the retail market at a rate of Rs 35 per kilogram.
This decision of the Center has come after a sharp increase in onion prices across the country. On August 24, i.e. Monday, the average retail price of onion across the country reached Rs 43.53 per kg, compared to Rs 27.37 last year. The average retail price of onion have increased by more than 59% over the year.
The average wholesale price also increased by 68% year-on-year to Rs 35.58 per kg. In the retail markets of some big cities like Delhi and Chennai, onions are being sold at Rs 55 to Rs 65 per kg. In Kolkata, the price of onion is Rs 53 per kg. The government has a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes of onion, which is being released in phased manner. It is sufficient to meet the domestic demands.
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