The central government announced that the fifth bulk shipment of 720 tonnes of buffer
onions is expected to arrive in Delhi on November 21. This initiative is part of an ongoing
market intervention strategy aimed at controlling onion prices.
The effort, which began last month, involves transporting onions from Maharashtra to Delhi
via rail for the first time. To date, a total of 4,010 tonnes have been dispatched, with retail
sales offered at Rs. 35 per kilogram.
“Another batch of 720 tonnes left Nashik yesterday and is anticipated to reach Delhi by
November 21,” stated an official communication. From the fourth shipment of 840 tonnes
received on November 17, allocations included 500 tonnes to Mother Dairy, 190 tonnes to the
NCCF, and 150 tonnes to Nafed for retail distribution across Delhi-NCR.
These bulk supplies have significantly eased onion prices at both wholesale and retail levels
in the capital. Similar measures are being implemented in other cities. For instance, Chennai
and Guwahati recently received shipments of 840 tonnes each, with an additional batch slated
for Guwahati and Lucknow in the coming days.
The government has scaled up onion distribution to address supply constraints caused by
festival demand and mandi closures. Cooperatives such as Nafed and NCCF are increasing
rail and road transportation to meet demand. Onions stored in Sonipat will also be released to
cater to northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
& Kashmir, and Delhi.
Out of this year’s 4.7 lakh tonnes of buffer stock, approximately 1.5 lakh tonnes have already
been distributed to stabilize market prices.
