The apex body of the National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF) had taken the initiative to sell onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 25 kg through retail outlets and mobile vans in 10 locations across the country starting today noon.The move has come after the government announced on last Saturday that it has imposed a 40% export duty on onions till 31st December after a significant increase in the price of vegetables was noticed. Sale of buffer stock onions The onions kept in the government buffer stock are being used by the apex body to be sold at a subsidised rate. Around 3 lakh metric tonne of onion was created by the government for the 2034-24 fiscal year and the government is now planning to increase it to 5 lakh metric tonne by producing an additional 2 lakh metric tonne of onions to help boost the buffer stock. In the year 2022-23, the government had maintained a 2.51 lakh tonne onion as buffer stock. Data released on the retail price of onions The Department of Consumer Affairs released data regarding the increase in the retail price of onion in the following cities since August 10. Delhi: Rs.30 to ₹ 37/Kg (+Rs.7/Kg) Chennai: ₹ 27/Kg to ₹ 36/Kg (+Rs.9/Kg)Bengaluru: ₹ 29/Kg to Rs.39/Kg (+Rs.10/Kg) Barnala: ₹ 25/Kg to Rs.40/Kg (+Rs.15/Kg) Hoshiarpur: ₹ 23/Kg to Rs.37/Kg (+Rs.14/Kg) Shahdol: ₹ 25/Kg to Rs.40/Kg (Rs.15/Kg)Kota: ₹ 18/Kg to Rs.28/Kg (+Rs.10/Kg) Katihar: ₹ 24/Kg to Rs.34/Kg (+Rs.10/Kg)Publics reaction to the price hikePeople are not happy with the price hike in onions that has come right after the price of tomatoes increased exponentially in the last 2 months. Lasalgaon in Nashik Maharashtra which is Asias biggest onion market remained closed today to demonstrate their discontentment with the governments decision to impose 40% export duty on onions. The farmers are upset that the central government took this decision without consulting with them properly as they believe that this move will not help the farmers but instead, the traders will reap all the benefits. They are demanding for the withdrawal of the 40% export duty and for a fair price to be provided for their produce. With the closing of the Lasalgaon market, the prices of onions are expected to increase even further and go towards an upward trajectory throughout September. Experts believe the rise to be by Rs 15-20 by the end of next month.
