Has the Centre Launched Onion Sales at Rs 24 per kg to Regulate Prices?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian government has taken a significant step to stabilize onion prices by launching retail sales at Rs 24 per kg in major cities. This initiative aims to keep food inflation in check and ensure affordability for consumers, while also monitoring production levels closely.
Key Takeaways
- The retail price of onions is set at Rs 24 per kg.
- Sales are being conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
- The government is monitoring prices of 38 commodities.
- This year’s onion production is projected at 307.71 lakh tonnes.
- Direct payments to farmers are being made for transparency.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, has initiated the retail sale of onions at a price of Rs 24 per kg in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. This initiative is being executed through the outlets and mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandar, along with distribution partners of NAFED and NCCF, as a part of the government’s strategy to regulate the pricing of essential commodities.
The geographical reach of this initiative will expand and diversify throughout the country, responding to fluctuations in onion pricing.
The government is diligently keeping an eye on the daily prices of 38 commodities, including onions, reported from 574 centers nationwide. This daily price data, along with comparative trends, is crucial for making informed decisions regarding the volume and destinations for releasing onions from the buffer, as stated by the minister.
The strategic and targeted release of onions from the buffer is a vital element of the government's measures to tackle food inflation and maintain price stability.
Joshi emphasized that controlling food inflation is a key priority for the Government of India. Various direct interventions through price stabilization measures have significantly contributed to reducing inflation in recent months. The general retail inflation rate for July 2025 is recorded at 1.55 percent, marking the lowest in nearly eight years, largely due to a notable decrease in food inflation.
This year, onion production is projected to reach 307.71 lakh tonnes, which is approximately 27 percent higher than the previous year. There are currently no duties or restrictions on the export of onions, with a consistent export pace of 1.06 lakh tonnes in July and 1.09 lakh tonnes in August 2025.
In light of the availability and pricing situation, the government has procured 3 lakh tonnes of onions for its price stabilization buffer through NCCF and NAFED.
These onions have been sourced from farmers and grower federations in major rabi onion-producing regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, with payments made directly to farmers' accounts.
This year, an integrated monitoring system for procurement, storage, and disposal has been implemented in onion operations, utilizing technology to track activities at every operational stage.
For transparency in onion procurement, the authenticity of farmers and their land records has been validated through e-mahabhumi, the Maharashtra government’s official portal. Payments to farmers are processed through their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. To ensure both quantity and quality, regular inspections are conducted by officers from the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Food & Public Distribution, and the National Test House to verify the stock of onions in storage facilities. Payments are made for quantities confirmed to have been moved to chawls and thoroughly verified.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the government's proactive approach in addressing food inflation through strategic price stabilization measures. The launch of onion sales at Rs 24 per kg reflects a commitment to ensuring essential commodities remain accessible to the public, fostering trust and authority in managing economic challenges.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of onions being sold at?
Onions are being sold at Rs 24 per kg, as per the recent government initiative.
Which cities are included in the onion sale initiative?
The onion sale initiative includes major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
How is the government monitoring onion prices?
The government monitors daily prices of 38 commodities, including onions, from 574 centers nationwide.
What measures are being taken to ensure transparency in procurement?
The authenticity of farmers is verified through e-mahabhumi and payments are made through Aadhaar-linked accounts.
What is the expected onion production this year?
Onion production is estimated to reach 307.71 lakh tonnes this year, which is about 27 percent higher than last year.
