New Delhi, August 27 (TNA) The government has begun a calibrated and targeted release of onions from buffer stocks to curb seasonal price pressure and ensure steady supply in the coming months. The first Kanda Express carrying onions has left Nashik for New Delhi, marking the start of a hybrid transport model that will move onions by rail and road to major consumption centres.
Onions will be sold at ₹35 per kg through NCCF, NAFED, Kendriya Bhandar, Safal and other retail channels, with mobile vans also deployed for direct sales. The retail intervention is aimed at keeping onions affordable as demand rises during the festive and wedding season.
The ministry said onion availability is comfortable, supported by estimated production of 307.37 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, almost unchanged from last year’s 307.67 lakh tonnes. It added that about 1.21 lakh tonnes have already been procured for the PSF buffer under the 2026-27 procurement plan.
The government said the onion buffer is being monitored daily across 579 centres, and further release quantities and destinations will be decided based on market prices and arrivals. Onion exports also remain strong, with around 3.82 lakh tonnes exported during April-June 2026.