250 tonnes of imported onion reach India, prices may cool

New Delhi: The first tranche of 250 tonnes of onions imported by the government has already arrived while the entire consignment of 2,000 tonnes will arrive by the end of this week, which will help boost domestic supplies and check rising retail prices.

In the case of pulses, 3,223 tonnes have already arrived in both Mumbai and Chennai and by October 20, the entire quantity of 5,000 tonnes will reach India.

The Inter Ministerial Committee on Prices and Availability of essential food items reviewed the current prices and availability position of pulses and onions.

During the meeting it was informed that "the first tranche of 250 tonnes of imported onion has already arrived at JNPT, Mumbai, and by the end of the week, the entire quantity of 2,000 tonnes of onion will arrive", the Food Ministry said in a statement.

It was also observed that wholesale prices of onions have moderated over the fortnight in major mandis.

These consignments are being allocated to states as per their requests, which is expected to help cool prices.

Prices of both pulses and onions rose unabated last month or so due to a fall in domestic production. Barring chana dal, prices of all other pulses have gone up to Rs 150 per kg in most retail markets.

Similarly, retail prices of onion had risen to Rs 70 per kg in Delhi and the same trend prevails in other parts of the country.