The government has ordered to import 10,000 tonnes of onions form countries including Pakistan, China, Egypt or any other origin meeting Indian import regulations. This step has been taken after the kitchen staple prices rose up to Rs 40 per kg in the national capital. Onion prices at Lasalgaon mandi in Nashik, which sets price trend of bulb across the country, have increase by 66% to Rs 25 per kg from Rs 15 per kg, since the start of the month.
There is however sufficient stocks of staple which is available in the country. National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) stated that at present about 28 lakh tonnes of rabi onion is stored in the country, which is equal to the country’s two months demand and at the same time harvesting of early kahrif crop has also started in Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the Centre, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) has already floated a tender to import 10,000 tonnes of onion in coming months.