The government has decided to import an additional 1,000 tonnes of onions in addition to earlier imports approved buy it. The prices of onions have been staying at elevated levels and this step by the government will help to increase domestic availability and stabilize prices. The centre has also directed the Delhi government and Mother Dairy to continue sale of onions at subsidized rates in the national capital till prices come under control.
The centre had already finalized two tenders for import of 2,000 tonnes of onion from China and Egypt. The first shipment of 1,000 tonnes would be made available in the market by the month-end while the second shipment is expected in first fortnight of the next month. State-owned MMTC will soon float the third tender for import of 1,000 tonnes of onions.
Onion prices, both at retail and wholesale levels, have risen unabated due to shortfall in domestic production. The prices at Lasalgaon in Maharashtra, Asia’s biggest wholesale onion market, are ruling as high as Rs 47-48 per kg while on the retail front, it has increased up to Rs 60-70 per kg across the country.