ONION, POTATO AND TOMATO PRICES CHEAPER THAN LAST YEAR

ONION, POTATO AND TOMATO PRICES CHEAPER THAN LAST YEAR

Context:

The Department of Consumer Affairs has begun issuing limited and targeted onions in the First-in-First-Out (FIFO) principle that started from last week of August 2021 guided by the twin objectives of moderating prices and ensuring minimal storage loss.

Price of Onions in Different Cities:

• As a result, the price of onions in Delhi is Rs 44 kg as of 14.10.2021.
• Similarly in Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai Rs 45 kg, Rs 57 kg and Rs 42 kg respectively.
• Prices for All India selling onions on 14.10.2021 are Rs 37.06 per kg and the total price of All India for onions is Rs 3002.25 per quintal.

Total Release in Manor Cities:

• The releases are targeted towards States / UTs where prices dominate over the whole of India and when prices rise more than last month.
• As of October 12, 2021, a total of 67,357 MT has been released in major markets such as Delhi, Ranchi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Guwahati, Bangalore, Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Kochi and Raipur.
• In addition, Grade B onions (shares under Fair A average Quality - FAQ) are discarded at local markets in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Price Stabilization Fund (PSF):

• Onion buffer has been maintained by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) for the purpose of effective market interventions in moderate prices.
• In 2021-22, against the target of building 2 LMT Onion buffer a total of 2.08 LMT was procured from the Rabi-2021 crop from April to July 2021.