Adequate availability of Onion at affordable prices in the country

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution reports that the availability of onions in the country has strengthened, leading to a broad-based moderation of mandi and retail prices. Fresh Kharif onion arrivals have begun from states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, supported by an estimated 5 percent increase in all-India Kharif onion acreage compared to the previous year. Favourable weather conditions and IMD rainfall outlooks support harvesting and movement. To further augment supplies and manage prices ahead of the festive season, the government has expanded its buffer stock disposal to 123 cities using Kanda Express trains and trucks, alongside planned additional rail rakes.