Government’s subsidised onion sale brings relief, prices drop in major cities

Labourers pack onions at a discipline close to Chikmagalur. File
| Picture Credit score: PTI

The government’s subsidised onion sale initiative, launched on September 5, has led to cost drops in main cities inside days, the patron affairs ministry mentioned on Saturday (September 14, 2024).

In Delhi, retail onion value fell from ₹60 to ₹55 per kg, whereas Mumbai noticed a lower from ₹61 to ₹56 per kg. In Chennai, the retail value lowered from ₹65 to ₹58 per kg, the ministry mentioned in an announcement.

The federal government initiated the sale of onions at a subsidised price of ₹35 per kg via cellular vans and shops of NCCF and NAFED.

This system, which started in Delhi and Mumbai, has since expanded to different main cities together with Chennai, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.

Responding to the rising demand, the federal government has determined to extend the amount of subsidised onion and develop distribution channels to incorporate e-commerce platforms, Kendriya Bhandar shops, and Mom Dairy’s SAFAL shops.

The federal government has additionally initiated wholesale disposal of onion in main cities. It has already commenced in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, with plans to increase to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata and ultimately all state capitals.

A twin transportation technique involving each street and rail networks is being applied to enhance logistics effectivity and scale back post-harvest losses.

The Division of Client Affairs is working intently with state governments to make sure focused provide based mostly on demand and value developments.

With a buffer inventory of 4.7 lakh tonne of onions and elevated kharif sowing space in comparison with the earlier 12 months, “the federal government expects onion costs to stay beneath management within the coming months,” the ministry mentioned.

The mixture of enhanced retail and bulk sale methods is anticipated to stabilize costs and guarantee widespread availability of reasonably priced onions, it added.