Kanda Express: After sugar, the rising price of onion has disrupted the kitchen budget of common people. The average retail price of onion in the country has increased to around Rs 42 per kg. In some big cities, onion has reached the level of 60 to 65 rupees per kg. Amid rising inflation, the central government released buffer stock in the market to curb prices, along with Kanda Express (Kanda Express) Decided to run.
Kanda Express will run from today
The central government has started running special trains from Nashik to major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati from August 24. This special arrangement is called ‘Onion Express’ has been named. The government’s aim is to quickly deliver onions from areas where sufficient quantity of onion is available to cities with higher prices. Increased supply is expected to reduce pressure on prices in the retail market.
Onion in Delhi ₹ 65 per kg
According to figures from the Consumer Affairs Department, the retail price of onion in Delhi has reached around Rs 65 per kg. In the same period a year ago, the price was around Rs 35 per kg. Even in Chennai, onion is being sold at around Rs 58 per kg, while last year the price was around Rs 33 per kg. Onion prices have also been recorded higher than the national average in some areas of Kerala and Assam.
In one year, onions became more expensive by about 45 percent
The average price of onion in the country has reached around 42 rupees per kg. This price is about 45 percent higher than a year ago. In the last one month too, the price of onion has increased by about 19 percent. The monthly budget of the housewives is being affected due to the continuous increase in prices. The government is stressing on strengthening the supply system amid the possibility of an increase in demand in the coming days as the festivals are around the corner.
Why are onion prices increasing?
One of the main reasons for the increase in onion prices is considered to be the decline in kharif onion production in Maharashtra. Maharashtra is among the largest onion producing states in the country. Kharif onion production has declined by around 5 to 7 per cent, according to estimates linked to the market. Due to this, prices are being affected as supply decreases in some markets.
Onions will come in the market from the buffer stock
The central government will release onions from the buffer stock to the market to curb rising prices. However, instead of selling the entire quantity at once, the plan is to increase the supply in phases keeping in view the market conditions and prices. The government is also monitoring attempts to raise prices by creating artificial shortages in the market.
NAFED-NCCF procured 1.2 lakh tonnes of onion
Responsibility for preparation of buffer stock for Central Govt NAFED And agencies like the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) are taking over. Both the agencies have together procured around 1.2 lakh tonnes of onion during the current financial year. To increase government procurement, the purchase price of onion has been increased to Rs 2,645 per quintal. The government’s effort is to keep the buffer stock strong, so that prices can be kept under control by releasing onions in the market if necessary.
‘Kanda Express’ was also run earlier.
This is not the first time that ‘Onion Express’ is being used to curb the rise in onion prices. Even in October 2024, special trains were run from Nashik to various areas including Delhi. Now the government has adopted this model amidst rising prices again. Especially in cities where onion is being sold at higher prices than the national average, efforts will be made to provide relief to consumers by increasing supply.
