“Government sells onions at ₹35 per kg across Delhi-NCR through NCCF mobile vans and shops to control rising prices and offer relief to consumers.”
INVC NEWS
New Delhi : The central government has started selling onions at a reduced price of ₹35 per kg in Delhi-NCR to mitigate the rising costs of this essential commodity. Here is a breakdown of the necessary steps and the process the government has adopted to ensure affordable onion distribution:
Why is the government selling onions at reduced rates?
- Inflation Control: Onion prices have been rising sharply in recent months due to various factors such as poor weather conditions affecting crops, supply chain disruptions, and profiteering by middlemen.
- Consumer Relief: The government aims to provide relief to consumers, especially those from low-income groups, by selling onions directly through government channels.
- Mitigating Middleman Profiteering: By intervening directly, the government seeks to cut out middlemen who often drive up prices for their gain, ensuring consumers can buy onions at fairer rates.
Steps and Process for Government Onion Sale:
- Direct Purchase from Farmers: The National Co-operative Consumers Federation of India Limited (NCCF) has been tasked with procuring onions directly from farmers in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which are major onion-producing regions.
- Distribution through NCCF: The onions are being sold through mobile vans and designated shops across 38 locations in Delhi-NCR. The government has chosen accessible points such as metro stations (e.g., Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk) and other prominent areas for easy access.
- Launch of the Sale: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi initiated the sale at Krishi Bhawan, signaling the start of this subsidized distribution. This initiative is meant to stabilize prices in the market by boosting supply and providing onions at a rate significantly lower than prevailing market prices.
- Collaboration with State Agencies: In coordination with state and local agencies, the government ensures a smooth supply chain to avoid shortages or delays.
Price Control on Other Vegetables:
The price surge isn’t limited to onions; tomatoes and potatoes have also seen significant price hikes. While the government expects onion and tomato prices to stabilize soon, potato prices might take longer to return to normal levels due to seasonal supply factors.
Through this direct sale initiative, the government aims to provide immediate relief and prevent further escalation in onion prices, ensuring affordability for consumers while keeping inflation in check.
