How is the government ensuring lower prices this festive season? Pralhad Joshi announces onion sale at Rs 24 per kg

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Onions are being sold at Rs 24 per kg.
- A total of 25 tonnes of onions have been dispatched.
- Available in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
- Tomatoes are also being sold at Rs 30 per kg.
- Government monitors prices from 574 centres.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, Sep 4 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi emphasized that the BJP-led government has consistently facilitated the availability of onions at affordable prices during festive occasions, unveiling a sale price of Rs 24 per kg.
In an interview with IANS in Delhi, Joshi remarked: "We have initiated the first shipment of 25 tonnes of onions, which will be offered at Rs 24 per kilogram. These onions will be accessible at this price in major urban centers."
Joshi went on to explain: "Today, a truckload of onions has been dispatched. Annually, we ensure that onions are available to the public at reduced prices. Currently, onion prices in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru are exceeding Rs 30 per kilogram. In light of the festive season, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) have commenced sales through their outlets."
"This initiative is designed considering the monsoon and the forthcoming season. Alongside onions, we have also dispatched tomatoes via NAFED and NCCF, which will be sold at Rs 30 per kilogram,” he continued.
“We procure these items from the market and distribute them at a fair price. Presently, we have a stock of 3 lakh tonnes of onions, of which 72 percent is yet to be released," he added.
The retail sale has been launched at Rs 24 per kilogram in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad through the outlets and mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandar. The government is diligently monitoring the daily prices of 38 commodities, including onions, reported from 574 centres nationwide. The daily price data and comparative trends are essential for decisions regarding the quantity and release of onions from stock, Joshi noted.