Two central agencies in India have procured approximately 99,200 U.S. tons of onions from farmer-producer companies, as part of the government’s buffer stock target of 330,700 tons. The National Agricultural Co-operative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (Nafed) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) made purchases at an average price of around US$196 per metric ton (Rs 1,634 per quintal) over the past three weeks. Currently, procurement continues at approximately US$189 per metric ton (Rs 1,575 per quintal), as set by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

According to officials, procurement is expected to conclude by early August. “NCCF has so far procured 59,500 tons, while Nafed has procured 38,600 tons,” said an official. This annual procurement is part of a government strategy to stabilize onion supply during potential shortages in August and September. In the previous year, Nafed and NCCF collectively procured 518,000 tons for the buffer stock.

An NCCF official noted that registration has begun for farmers wishing to sell their onions to the organization. “They can register through our web portal. Once registered, they will receive messages and can deliver their produce to the nearest procurement center,” the official added.

State agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate and marketing minister Jaykumar Rawal met with Union Consumer Minister Pralhad Joshi in Delhi, requesting an increase in the procurement target to 661,400 tons and advocating for direct purchases from farmers via APMC auctions. While Minister Joshi responded positively, no final decision has been made.

Source: Times of India