New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs is expanding the distribution of buffer-stock onions under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), with the first Kanda Express consignment to Agartala, Tripura, expected to arrive on October 18, carrying approximately 440 metric tonnes (MT) of onions.
The initiative aims to strengthen onion supplies and maintain affordable prices ahead of the festive season, particularly in the northeastern region.
The movement follows the transportation of buffer-stock onions to Assam through Kanda Express and forms part of the government’s efforts to improve supply chains, expand market coverage and ensure timely availability of onions across major consumption centres.
According to the department, the consignment is expected to strengthen onion distribution across seven of Tripura’s eight districts — Dhalai, South Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, West Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala.
So far, two Kanda Express rail rakes carrying 840 MT and 452 MT of onions, respectively, along with 44 truck consignments transporting a combined 1,513.46 MT, have supplied buffer-stock onions across the North-East.
The distribution network has covered key locations in Assam, Tripura and Nagaland, including Kamrup, Guwahati, Gomati, Dimapur, Sepahijala, Kohima, Niuland and Chumoukedima.
The government said the expansion of rail and road transportation would improve the reach of buffer stocks and supplement onion supplies in major consumption centres across the region.
Meanwhile, fresh Kharif onion arrivals have contributed to a moderation in wholesale prices across major agricultural markets.
The all-India average mandi price declined from a peak of approximately Rs 3,600 per quintal in September to around Rs 3,300 per quintal in October.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said calibrated releases from the onion buffer were helping supplement market supplies, improve availability and moderate retail prices.
Retail onion prices have declined by Rs 1 to Rs 13 per kg across 211 cities over the past two weeks, according to government data.
The decline has been recorded across several states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
In Assam, around 12 centres have reported a decline in retail onion prices ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 8 per kg in recent weeks.
The gap between Assam’s average retail onion price and the national average has also narrowed considerably over the past two years.
Two years ago, Assam’s average retail onion price stood at Rs 61.96 per kg, compared with the all-India average of Rs 54.13 per kg, a difference of Rs 7.83 per kg.
Currently, the average retail price in Assam stands at Rs 54.30 per kg, against the national average of Rs 53.07 per kg, narrowing the difference to Rs 1.23 per kg.
The department said the reduction in the price gap indicated improved alignment between Assam’s retail onion prices and the national average.
The government continues to monitor onion prices, market arrivals and supply conditions nationwide to determine further releases from the PSF buffer stock.
According to the department, buffer-stock disposal will remain guided by prevailing market conditions, price trends and supply requirements.
Additional releases will be undertaken as necessary, in accordance with approved operational decisions, to maintain adequate market availability and prevent excessive price fluctuations.
[DD news]