New Delhi: As soon as Navratri ended, the demand for onion started increasing in the market. Along with this, onion prices also started rising. The government seems to have become active in controlling the onion price. That is why for the first time the Railways has announced to run a special Onion Express for the transportation of onions. In this express, onion from the government’s buffer stock is being sent to different parts of the country. The first such train has been dispatched from Nashik to Danapur near Patna.
1,600 tonnes of onion in a train
Consumer Affairs Department Secretary Nidhi Khare gave this information on Thursday. ‘1,600 metric tonnes (equivalent to approximately 53 trucks) of onion procured by NCCF under the Price Stabilization Fund of the Department of Consumer Affairs is being sent by rail by Kanda Fast Train from Nashik to Delhi NCR,’ he said. The onion consignment is scheduled to reach Delhi NCR by October 20, 2024 and the stock will be released in the wholesale market (in all mandis) to increase availability for consumers during this festive season.
Government stock of about 5 lakh tonnes
The government has purchased about five lakh tonnes of onion from the Price Stabilization Fund. From this fund, onions are being sent to different parts of the country. Then onion will be released in the wholesale market there at cheap prices. With this, onion will be available to people at cheaper prices.
Cheap onions will also be sold through e-commerce platform
He said that for the first time the government is delivering this essential kitchen item to big consumption centers and states through railway racks. When the onions reach there, the government will also sell cheap onions through e-commerce platforms like Zepto, private retail stores like Reliance Retail and Safal. The government will also sell onions in the retail market through central stores and mobile vans. The price has increased in the market.
At present, onion prices in the retail market have reached close to Rs 100 per kg in many big markets. Due to which the government had to sell onions from its stock in the retail market at a subsidized price of Rs 35 per kg since last month.