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Onion Price : The Consumer Affairs Ministry said on Saturday that the government's initiative of selling subsidized onions, launched on September 5, has led to a decline in prices in major cities within a few days. The retail price of onion in Delhi has come down from Rs 60 to Rs 55 per kg, while in Mumbai it has come down from Rs 61 to Rs 56 per kg. In Chennai, the retail price has come down from Rs 65 to Rs 58 per kg, the ministry said in a statement.
Sales through mobile vans
The government has started selling onions at a subsidized rate of Rs 35 per kg through mobile vans and outlets of NCCF and NAFED. The program, which started in Delhi and Mumbai, has now spread to other major cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.
Given the rising demand, the government has decided to increase the number of subsidized onions and expand distribution channels to include e-commerce platforms, Kendriya Bhandar outlets, and Mother Dairy's Safal stores.
Bulk settlement also started.
The government has also started bulk disposal of onions in major cities. This has already started in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, and there are plans to extend it to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, and eventually to all state capitals.
A dual transport strategy involving both road and rail networks is being implemented to improve logistics supply and reduce post-harvest losses.
A buffer stock of 4.7 lakh tonnes of onion
The Department of Consumer Affairs is working closely with state governments to ensure targeted supply based on demand and price trends. The ministry said that with a buffer stock of 4.7 lakh tonnes of onion and an increase in kharif sowing area compared to last year, "the government expects onion prices to remain under control in the coming months."
It said a combination of improved retail and wholesale strategies would stabilize prices and ensure wider availability of affordable onions.
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