Following a steady rise, onion prices finally crossed the psychological mark of Rs 100 a kg in Delhi on Wednesday, 6 November, sources reported
In Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, prices are in the range of Rs 70 to 80 per kg, despite stock limits imposed by the government on traders.
The centre, responding to public concern, has decided to rely on imports to tackle the issue. The Ministry of Agriculture, on Wednesday, allowed relaxation from the condition of fumigation and endorsement on PSC as per the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 for onion imports up to 30 November.
Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain reportedly held a meeting with his department officers to review the issue of sudden and unexplained rise in onion prices and directed agencies to ensure timely, regular and adequate supply of onion through mobile vans.
Supriya Shrinate, Congress spokesperson said, “We urge the government to find a permanent solution instead of a quick fix.”
About the government’s plans to import onion, the spokesperson said, “In principle, I think the government has had to resort to this because they have not been able to pick the real issue which has been set aside and not a supply restrictions.”
“My basic dispute was that the price of onion has crossed Rs 100 per Kg not because of supply constraint, not because of erratic monsoon, but, because of hoarding and the government has to crackdown on that,” she added.