Overview

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi flagged off mobile vans and outlets run by NCCF, NAFED and Kendriya Bhandar to start the subsidised retail operation.
• The rollout extends to Chennai, Guwahati and Kolkata from Friday with calibrated releases planned across more locations as needed.
• The onions are drawn from the Price Stabilisation Fund buffer built in 2024–25 at an average procurement cost of Rs 15 per kg.
• Officials reported domestic output at an estimated 30.77 million tonnes this year, about 27% higher, while exports continue without duties or restrictions with roughly 1.06–1.09 lakh tonnes shipped in July–August.
• Decisions on quantities and destinations are guided by daily price monitoring from 574 centres and technology-enabled oversight of procurement, storage and release.