In a resolute move to address soaring onion prices, the central government has taken decisive actions. As of today (21 August 2023), onions are being sold at Rs 25 per kg in Delhi, bolstered by the deployment of 10 mobile vans and ONDC platforms for efficient distribution.
Tackling Escalating Prices:
To further quell the issue, the government has imposed a 40% export duty on onions, effective until December 31, 2023. This strategic move aims to curtail exports, focusing on the availability of onions within the domestic market and mitigating price hikes.
Strengthening Buffer Stock:
With the objective of stabilizing prices, the government intends to increase the buffer stock of onions from 3 LMT to 5 LMT. This heightened stockpile will be channeled into retail sales through various agencies and e-commerce platforms.
The National Cooperative Consumer Federation of India (NCCF), already engaged in the subsidized sale of tomatoes on behalf of the central government, has been entrusted with the task of retailing onions from the augmented ‘buffer stock.’ NCCF’s retail outlets at Nehru Place and Okhla in the national capital will facilitate the distribution of onions.
