Government Intervenes to Curb Onion Prices with Subsidized Sales

To contain rising onion prices, the government will start retail sales at Rs 35 per kg through mobile vans and NCCF shops in Delhi-NCR. Food Minister Prahlad Joshi will launch the initiative from Krishi Bhawan. The move targets improving local supplies and controlling prices soaring above Rs 60 per kg.

In a bid to tackle the soaring prices of onions, the Central government has announced the initiation of retail sales at a subsidized rate of Rs 35 per kilogram starting Thursday. The initiative will be rolled out through mobile vans and National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF) retail shops across Delhi-NCR.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi is set to inaugurate this market intervention strategy from Krishi Bhawan. The mobile vans will cater to 38 different locations including prominent spots like Krishi Bhawan, NCUI complex, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Patel Chowk Metro Station, and various parts of Noida.

The move aims to improve local supplies and stabilize the prices of this essential kitchen commodity, which has been peaking over Rs 60 per kg in the national capital. NCCF has created a buffer stock by directly procuring onions from farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, ensuring these are available to consumers at subsidized rates. This intervention seeks to protect consumers from exorbitant prices and mitigate the financial strain caused by price fluctuations.

(With inputs from agencies.)