Fourth Bulk Shipment of 840 MT Onions Arrives in Delhi to Control Prices
The fourth bulk shipment of 840 MT onions from the Government’s Price Stabilization Buffer has reached Delhi’s Kishan Ganj Railway Station. Dispatched by NAFED from Nashik, this shipment arrived on November 17, 2024, and has been allocated to Mother Dairy (500 MT), NCCF (190 MT), and NAFED (150 MT) for retail sale at an affordable price of ₹35 per kg across Delhi-NCR.
Efforts to Stabilize Onion Prices in Key Markets
The shipment marks a continued effort to maintain stable onion prices. Earlier shipments to Delhi include:
- 1st Shipment: 1,600 MT on October 20, 2024
- 2nd Shipment: 840 MT on October 30, 2024
- 3rd Shipment: 730 MT on November 12, 2024
A fifth shipment of 720 MT is en route and expected to arrive by November 21, 2024.
Expanding Distribution Across India
In addition to Delhi, onions have been dispatched to other regions:
- Chennai: 840 MT on October 23, 2024
- Guwahati: 840 MT on November 5, 2024, benefiting Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and other Northeastern states.
- Upcoming Shipments: Another 840 MT for Guwahati and 840 MT for Lucknow, expected within days.
The government is also releasing onions stored in cold facilities in Sonipat and Nashik to meet the demands of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Nationwide Impact
To address supply gaps due to festivals and mandi closures, the government has increased both rail and road transport of onions. Over 1.50 lakh MT of onions have already been dispatched from the buffer stocks. These efforts have reduced retail onion prices in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, ensuring affordability for consumers.
Future Supply Assurance
The current kharif onion sowing area has grown by 34%, reaching 3.82 lakh hectares compared to 2.85 lakh hectares last year. The progress in late kharif sowing and continued buffer stock releases will keep onion prices stable and supplies consistent.
These proactive measures by the government are helping food businesses and consumers access quality onions at reasonable prices, fostering market stability nationwide.
