New Delhi: The Centre is stepping up onion supplies in West Bengal ahead of the festive season, with the Kanda Express carrying onions from the government’s buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata on Thursday.
The move is aimed at increasing availability and containing seasonal pressure on onion prices, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said.
1,400 MT Already Supplied
Nearly 1,400 metric tonnes (MT) of onions have already been distributed across West Bengal through mobile vans operated by NAFED and NCCF.
The onions are being sold to consumers at ₹35 per kg, with supplies so far transported mainly by road.
The arrival of the Kanda Express is expected to enable faster transportation of larger quantities and strengthen supplies across Kolkata and adjoining districts.
Buffer Stock Released
The Kolkata-bound train forms part of the government’s strategy to release onions from the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) buffer using a combination of rail and road transport.
Targeted disposal of buffer onions through NAFED and NCCF began on August 24, with quantities being sent to different regions depending on market requirements.
In Kolkata, retail sales are currently taking place at more than 25 locations.
These include major markets such as Koley Market, Mechua Mandi, Maniktala Market, Rampuria Market and Shyam Bazar Market.
More Retail Points Planned
The government is also exploring sales of buffer stock onions through Sufal Bangla outlets. This could provide consumers with more purchase points and widen the intervention.
Buffer stock onions have so far been supplied to more than 100 cities across India.
According to the ministry, retail onion prices have remained stable or declined across 17 states and Union Territories following the intervention.
Prices declined during the past week in several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.
