- 1,400 t distributed in West Bengal at INR 35/kg through NAFED, NCCF
- Kanda Express arrival expected to strengthen supplies before festive season
The Centre has stepped up onion buffer stock releases in West Bengal, with a Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September. The move comes ahead of the festive season, when demand typically increases across major consuming markets.
Buffer stock sales expand across West Bengal
Around 1,400 tonnes of onions have already been distributed across West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at a subsidised retail price of INR 35/kg. Sales are being conducted at more than 25 locations in Kolkata, including Koley, Mechua, Maniktala, Rampuria, and Shyambazar.
The government is also exploring retail distribution of buffer stock onions through Sufal Bangla outlets, which could further widen consumer access to lower-priced supplies.
Kanda Express to improve movement into Kolkata
The Kolkata-bound Kanda Express forms part of the Centre’s hybrid rail-and-road strategy for moving onions from the PSF buffer stock to major consumption centres. Rail-based movement is expected to facilitate larger-volume transportation, while road distribution will support subsequent movement across Kolkata and adjoining districts.
The Centre began targeted disposal of buffer stock through NAFED and NCCF on 24 August. Since then, supplies have been extended to more than 100 cities across the country.
Buffer releases aim to moderate price pressures
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States/UTs during the past week, indicating improved availability following government interventions. Prices declined in markets across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.
The continued release of buffer stocks is therefore expected to remain an important supply-side intervention as the festive season approaches. The Centre is monitoring availability and prices across major consuming markets and undertaking calibrated releases based on market conditions.
Outlook
The arrival of Kanda Express in Kolkata is expected to add to available onion supplies in West Bengal and support distribution across adjoining consuming markets. With festive demand approaching, further calibrated releases from the PSF buffer stock could help moderate short-term price pressures if market availability tightens.
Leave a Reply