The Government of India has taken an important step to meet the growing demand for onions in the northeastern states and to control prices. Recently, a consignment of 840 tonnes of onions was transported to Guwahati via rail, which will ensure the availability of onions in these states and their sale at affordable prices.

supply of onions by rail

A rail rack of 840 tonnes of onions arrived at Changsari station in Guwahati on 5 November 2024. This onion is being distributed by the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) in various districts of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and other northeastern states. The government has ensured that the bulk supply of onions continues, so that onion prices do not increase in the local markets and consumers can get onions at a reasonable price.

New way of distribution of onions

This is the first time that bulk transportation of onions is being done by rail racks from Nashik to big cities and states. Earlier this kind of transportation was mostly done through trucks, but now it has become more effective and cheaper by rail.

On 18 October 2024, 1,600 tonnes of onion was sent from Nashik to Delhi by “Kanda Express”. On 23 October, another 840 tonnes of onion was sent from Nashik to Chennai by rail rack, and on 30 October, a consignment of 840 tonnes of onion also reached Delhi. Now the supply of onion is being increased in the northeastern states with this consignment of onion in Guwahati as well.

control on onion prices

The government had purchased 4.7 lakh tonnes of Rabi onion this year to maintain stability in the supply of onion so that there is no unexpected increase in prices. This has ensured that onions are available in the market and prices remain under control.

Easy and cheap way

On one hand, the supply of onion by rail is reducing the cost, on the other hand, consumers are getting its benefit. This has not only increased the availability of onion, but also accelerated its distribution, which has created a balance between demand and supply in the market.

It is worth noting that this step of the government is eliminating the onion shortage in the northeastern states and consumers are able to buy it at a reasonable price without any hassle.