Cooperative Stores Address Soaring Onion Prices with ₹30 per Kilogram Offer

To alleviate the burden of skyrocketing onion prices, cooperative stores in various areas have taken the initiative to sell this kitchen staple at a significantly reduced rate of ₹30 per kilogram. With the market witnessing onion prices as high as ₹80–₹100 per kilogram in some retail outlets and online platforms, this intervention aims to make onions more affordable, particularly in slums and areas inhabited by low-income groups.

K. Gopal, Secretary of the Cooperation, Food, and Consumer Protection Department, expressed optimism about this move bringing down onion prices. These cooperative stores, along with the State government, are sourcing onions from the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (Nafed) at ₹25 per kilogram, with additional costs for cleaning, transport, loading/unloading, and wastage.

As the new onion supplies from places like Alwar in Gujarat and Nasik are expected, there’s hope for a return to reasonable onion prices. For many consumers, such price hikes have posed a challenge, with a kilogram of onions recently priced at ₹100, leaving middle-class and economically weaker sections struggling to afford this essential vegetable. While some are still unaware of the cooperative stores’ efforts, this intervention is a positive step in addressing the issue.