The government of India procured 470,000 tons of rabi onion for the price stabilization buffer this year, releasing them from 5th September 2024, through retail sales at Rs.35 ($0.42) per kg and bulk sales in major mandis nationwide. To address temporary supply constraints in some markets due to the festival season and mandi closures, the government plans to increase onion disposal. NAFED has arranged additional transportation for Delhi-NCR and Guwahati. Increased dispatches by road and additional supplies from NCCF are expected to improve market availability. Onions from cold storage in Sonipat will be distributed to meet demand in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal, J&K, Delhi, and others, with the government monitoring the situation closely.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, the actual autumn sown area this year was 382,000 hectares, a 34% increase over the previous year, with late kharif onion sowing progressing normally. Recent shipments to Delhi, Chennai, and Guwahati have been made to ensure supply. Meanwhile, tomato retail prices are declining, with significant price drops in several mandis. The all-India average retail price of potatoes has remained stable at about Rs.37 ($0.45) per kg, with an expected increase in potato acreage this year.
Source: AgroSpectrum