Onion
To check the soaring prices of onion, the central government will start its retail sale at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg through mobile vans and NCCF retail outlets in Delhi-NCR from Thursday. Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi will launch the retail sale of onion from Krishi Bhawan, an official statement said. The sale through mobile vans will be done at 38 locations, including Krishi Bhawan, NCUI Complex, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Patel Chowk Metro Station and parts of Noida, it said.
Onion crosses Rs 60 per kg
The market intervention is aimed at improving local supply and curbing the rising prices of this kitchen staple. At present, onion is being sold at a price of over Rs 60 per kg in the national capital. NCCF has maintained a buffer stock of onions procured directly from farmers of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. To protect consumers from exorbitant prices and prevent middlemen from making windfall profits, the same onion will be sold for retail sale at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg.
Onion availability situation is satisfactory
NCCF said that by directly contacting the farmers and offering onions at subsidized rates, it is playing an important role in reducing the impact of price fluctuations on consumers. The availability position of onion in the domestic market is satisfactory. According to the assessment of the Ministry of Agriculture, the targeted area for Kharif sowing of major vegetables like onion, tomato and potato has increased significantly compared to last year. “Despite a slight decrease in onion production in Rabi-2024 season as compared to last year’s production, the onion availability position in the domestic market is satisfactory,” the statement said.
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