The Government is strengthening onion availability in West Bengal, with the Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata tomorrow.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the arrival of the Kanda Express will facilitate faster movement of larger quantities of onions and further strengthen supplies in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.
The Ministry said around one thousand four hundred metric tonnes of onions have already been distributed in West Bengal through National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India and National Cooperative Consumers Federation mobile vans at 35 rupees per kilogram, mainly through road transport. It said the incoming consignment will enable more efficient movement of additional quantities and help improve market availability and moderate seasonal price pressures.
Distribution of onions from the consignment is being planned in Kolkata and adjoining districts, with focus on ensuring maximum impact on prevailing retail prices. In Kolkata, retail sales are currently being undertaken at more than 25 locations, including Koley Market, Mechua Mandi, Maniktala Market, Rampuria Market and Shyambazar Market.
The Kolkata-bound Kanda Express is part of the Government’s ongoing strategy of calibrated release of onions from the PSF buffer stock through a hybrid rail-and-road transportation network. The Ministry said increased availability has also started easing price pressures in several parts of the country. Onions from the buffer stock have been supplied to more than 100 cities across the country.
During the past one week, retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States and Union Territories. The Ministry said that the Onion prices declined in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.
