Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, on Thursday launched the retail sale of onions at Rs 24 per kg in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The initiative is being executed through outlets and mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED, Kendriya Bhandar, and distribution partners of NAFED and NCCF as part of the government’s policy to stabilize essential commodity prices. The coverage will be expanded nationwide depending on trends in onion prices.

The government monitors daily prices of 38 commodities, including onions, from 574 centres across India. This data helps determine the quantity and destination for releasing onions from the buffer stock. Joshi emphasized that the calibrated disposal of onions from the buffer is a key measure to control food inflation and maintain stable prices.

Highlighting the importance of food inflation control, Joshi noted that retail inflation in July 2025 stood at 1.55 per cent, the lowest in nearly eight years, largely due to a significant decline in food prices. Onion production this year is estimated at 307.71 lakh tonnes, a 27 per cent increase over the previous year. Exports continue without restrictions, with 1.06 lakh tonnes in July and 1.09 lakh tonnes in August 2025.

For price stabilization, the government procured 3 lakh tonnes of onions through NCCF and NAFED from major rabi onion-producing areas in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Farmers received payments directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

An integrated monitoring system has been implemented to oversee procurement, storage, and distribution. Transparency is ensured through verification of farmers and land records via e-Mahabhumi, while officers from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and National Test House regularly inspect warehouses to confirm quantity and quality before disbursing payments.