Noida, Aug 24 (APAC Media): The Centre will launch the “Kanda Express” on Monday to transport onions from Nashik to major consumption centres as part of efforts to check a sharp rise in retail prices, according to officials.
The move comes after onion prices increased nearly 50 per cent over the past year, putting pressure on household budgets in several parts of the country.
Under the initiative, onion stocks from government buffer reserves will The initiative will release onion stocks from government buffer reserves in a calibrated manner in markets where prices have risen significantly. Special trains will carry onions from Maharashtra’s Nashik, one of the country’s major onion-producing regions, to cities including Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati.
The government’s intervention is aimed at improving availability and preventing further price escalation in deficit markets.
The average retail price of onions has risen to around Rs 42 per kg, according to data cited by government sources. Prices in some major cities are considerably higher. In Delhi, onions were selling at around Rs 65 per kg, compared with Rs 35 per kg a year earlier. Chennai also witnessed a sharp increase, with retail prices reaching about Rs 58 per kg.
Officials said adequate stocks are available with the government, and supplies will be released depending on market requirements. The Centre is also monitoring prices and availability closely to prevent speculative activity and ensure that the benefit of lower-cost supplies reaches consumers.
The government previously utilised the Kanda Express initiative to transport onions from producing regions to deficit markets. The latest operation is expected to improve supply chains and reduce transportation bottlenecks amid elevated prices.
The price rise has also coincided with an increase in sugar prices. Loose sugar was reportedly selling at around Rs 62.50 per kg, up from about Rs 46 per kg a month earlier. Retail prices in Delhi and Mumbai were around Rs 65 and Rs 69 per kg, respectively.
The government is expected to continue releasing essential food commodities from its buffer stocks if required, as it seeks to contain inflationary pressures and provide relief to consumers.
The Centre’s latest measures come at a time when policymakers are closely tracking food prices and the availability of key agricultural commodities across major markets.
–ENDS–
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information. APAC Media is not responsible for investment decisions or losses. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial adviser before investing.
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