In November, consumers experienced high onion prices due to adverse weather conditions affecting crops and a labor shortage during the festive season. However, prices are anticipated to decrease by November 8 as red onions from Nashik Mandi begin to enter major markets. Additionally, new crops from Alwar are reaching key northeastern cities, including Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, which is expected to further reduce prices in open markets.
Despite high market prices, cooperative societies like NCCF and NAFED are distributing onions at lower prices. NCCF, for instance, is selling onions at Rs 25 per kg through mobile vans, leveraging their substantial stockpile. Last year, NCCF collected 2.9 metric tons of onions and remains prepared to meet government demands this year without a specified quota. Furthermore, the Department of Consumer and Food Distribution is launching initiatives to make essential commodities like pulses and rice more affordable through subsidies and cooperative efforts, aiming to stabilize market rates and decrease import reliance.
Source: India.com