Govt begins calibrated release of buffer stocks of Onion coming through Kanda Express from Nashik

 
The Government said that the country has adequate availability of onion and it has begun a calibrated and targeted release of buffer stocks through Kanda Express and road transport to ensure moderation of seasonal price pressures. The Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ministry said that retail intervention efforts have expanded significantly across 19 cities, supported by the dispatch of over 30 trucks to ensure widespread availability.
 
The Ministry has informed that two Kanda Express consignments have been dispatched from Nashik as part of this initiative. It added that the first rake, carrying 450 Metric Tonnes of onions, reached Delhi and was subsequently distributed across Varanasi, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Amritsar and across the Delhi-NCR region. The Ministry further said that the second rake, carrying 840 MT of onions, reached Chennai yesterday and is likely to be distributed across various districts of Tamil Nadu. The Ministry noted that around one thousand Metric Tonnes of onions are being transported by road to major consumption centres, based on prevailing market conditions and price trends.
 
The Ministry has informed 210 crore rupees have been paid directly to around three thousand 400 farmers, ensuring timely payments. The Government remains committed to supporting onion farmers while ensuring adequate and affordable availability for consumers. The Government has also put in place robust security measures to prevent any leakages and address security concerns during the movement and disposal of large quantities of onions through railway rakes.
 
It highlighted that the release of onions from buffer stocks has improved market availability and prices have shown a decline from the day following the commencement of disposal, with increased supplies expected to further support price stability.