The Government has initiated a calibrated release of onions from buffer stocks to ensure adequate availability and mitigate seasonal price pressures. The procurement process started on May 15, with over 1.21 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) acquired so far.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has begun targeted releases of onions from buffer stocks to maintain a sufficient supply and prevent seasonal price rises in the coming months. According to the ministry, India's estimated production of onions for 2025-26 is over 307 LMT, indicating comfortable domestic demand coverage. To further address supply concerns, the government has set a procurement target of two lakh metric tonnes of Rabi onions for the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) buffer during 2026-27. The procurement process started on May 15, and approximately 1.21 LMT of onions have been acquired so far. Onions will be sold at 35 rupees per kilogram through various retail outlets, including mobile vans, National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), Safal, and Kendriya Bhandar outlets. The Ministry added that the first 'Kanda Express' has left Nashik and is expected to reach Delhi NCR with about 800 metric tonnes of onions late evening today or by tomorrow morning. Simultaneously, supplies are being moved through road transport to other major consumption centres across the country.
Source:
Akashvani News
