Overview
- The Centre began operating dedicated 'Kanda Express' rakes from Nashik to Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam (Kochi) and Guwahati to shift bulk buffer stock to high-price markets.
- Official data show the all-India average retail onion price rose 59% year-on-year to Rs 43.53 per kg on August 24, with some cities reporting rates above Rs 50–60 per kg.
- The government holds about 1.21 lakh tonnes in its buffer and has dispatched the first consignment of roughly 800–840 tonnes to Delhi, where stock will be sold at Rs 35 per kg through NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar outlets.
- Authorities blame damaged stored rabi onions from unseasonal rain and hail, delayed kharif sowing and faster depletion of stocks for the spike, and they say they will monitor mandi prices for possible speculation or cartel behaviour.
- Officials expect rail movement and calibrated releases to ease wholesale pressure first and then retail rates, while balancing consumer relief with farmer incomes and keeping the option of further targeted releases if markets stay tight.