IBNS-CMEDIA: In a major step towards strengthening onion supplies and keeping prices affordable ahead of the festive season, the Department of Consumer Affairs is expanding the distribution of buffer onions under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), with the first-ever Kanda Express consignment to Agartala in Tripura.
The consignment, carrying approximately 440 metric tonnes (MT) of onions, is expected to reach Agartala by October 18, 2026.
The move expands the government’s onion distribution network in the Northeast, following the transportation of buffer onions to Assam through Kanda Express. The initiative aims to improve last-mile availability and ensure timely access to affordable onions across major consumption centres.
Kanda Express to Strengthen Onion Distribution Across Tripura
The latest intervention is expected to improve market coverage across seven of Tripura’s eight districts: Dhalai, South Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, West Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala.
So far, two Kanda Express rail consignments, carrying 840 MT and 452 MT of onions, respectively, along with 44 truck consignments transporting a total of 1,513.46 MT, have supplied buffer onions across the Northeast.
The distribution network has covered key locations in Assam, Tripura and Nagaland, including Kamrup, Guwahati, Gomati, Dimapur, Sepahijala, Kohima, Niuland and Chumoukedima.
The expansion of rail- and road-based transportation is intended to improve the reach of buffer stocks and supplement market supplies across key consumption centres in the region.
Fresh Kharif Arrivals Ease Wholesale Onion Prices
With fresh Kharif onion arrivals gathering pace, wholesale prices have moderated across major markets. The all-India average mandi price declined from a peak of approximately ₹3,600 per quintal in September to around ₹3,300 per quintal in October.
Releases from the government’s onion buffer stock continue to supplement market supplies, improve availability and help moderate retail prices.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said it would continue to intervene in response to prevailing market conditions to support consumer access to onions at affordable prices.
Retail Onion Prices Fall in 211 Cities
Over the past two weeks, 211 cities have reported declines of ₹1 to ₹13 per kg in retail onion prices.
The moderation has been observed across major consuming states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
In Assam, retail onion prices have also eased in recent weeks, with around 12 centres across the state reporting declines ranging from ₹1 to ₹8 per kg.
The gap between Assam’s average retail onion price and the all-India average has narrowed considerably over the past two years.
Two years ago, the average retail price in Assam stood at ₹61.96 per kg, compared with the national average of ₹54.13 per kg, a difference of ₹7.83 per kg.
Currently, Assam’s average retail onion price stands at ₹54.30 per kg, against the all-India average of ₹53.07 per kg. This has reduced the price gap to ₹1.23 per kg.
The narrowing differential indicates that retail onion prices in Assam have moved closer to the national average.
Government to Continue Onion Buffer Releases Based on Market Conditions
The government continues to monitor onion prices, market arrivals and supply conditions across the country. The disposal of onions from the Price Stabilisation Fund buffer stock is guided by prevailing market conditions, price trends and availability requirements.
Further releases will be undertaken as necessary, in accordance with approved operational decisions, to maintain adequate market supplies and help curb excessive price volatility.
