India: NCCF to sell onions at Rs 25 per kg after Centre raises onion buffer

Consumers can avail Onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 25 per kg through retail outlets of the National Cooperative Consumers` Federation of India Limited (NCCF) from August 21, said a government release on Sunday. According to the release, retail sales of Onion will be suitably enhanced in the coming days by involving other agencies and e-commerce platforms.

"Apart from releasing in major markets, onions from the buffer are also being made available to retail consumers at a subsidised rate of Rs 25 per kg through retail outlets and mobile vans of NCCF from tomorrow ie Monday 21st August 2023," the release stated.

Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 Mission: ISRO shares images of Lunar far side region taken by LHDAC

Add WION as a Preferred Source

In an unprecedented move, the Government on August 20 raised the quantum of onion buffer to 5.00 lakh metric tonnes (0.5 million metric tonnes) this year, after achieving the initial procurement target of 3.00 lakh metric tonnes(0.3 million metric tonnes).

In this regard, the Department of Consumer Affairs has directed the NCCF and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) to procure 1.00 lakh metric tonnes (0.1 million metric tonnes) each to achieve the additional procurement target alongside calibrated disposal of the procured stocks in major consumption centres, the release said.

Also Read | India: At least 7 dead, 27 injured after bus carrying pilgrims falls into gorge in Uttarakhand

As per the release, disposal of onions from the buffer has commenced, targeting major markets in States and UTs where retail prices are above the all-India average and/or are significantly higher than the previous month.

"As of date, about 1,400 MT of onions from the buffer has been dispatched to the targeted markets and are being continuously released to augment the availability," it further stated.

Watch | WhatsApp adds a new feature to its messaging app

The multipronged measures taken by the Government in the case of onion including procurement for the buffer, targeted release of stocks, and imposition of export duty will benefit the farmers and consumers by assuring remunerative prices to the onion farmers while ensuring continuous availability to the consumers at affordable prices, the release added.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.