Retail onion prices in New Delhi have witnessed a sharp spike of 88 per cent, reaching ₹62 per kilogram compared to ₹33 per kilogram during the same period last year. Across the country, the average retail price stands at ₹46.58 per kg, while the wholesale rate remains around ₹38.29 per kg. Amid growing concerns over rising kitchen budgets, the Central Government has stepped in to clarify that there is no shortage of onions in the country and that the government’s buffer stock remains in optimal condition.
Government Refutes Spoilage Reports and Confirms Stock Quality
Addressing recent media reports claiming that nearly 30 per cent of the government’s 1.21 lakh-tonne onion buffer stock had rotted, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare completely dismissed these assertions. She stated that no such spoilage has taken place and confirmed that the stock quality is solid.
To improve shelf life and avoid storage losses this year, the government entrusted the storage management to the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) instead of relying on private traders as was done in previous years. Additionally, independent third-party agencies are conducting regular quality checks at fixed intervals to monitor the condition of the stored onions.
Scientific Storage Practices Boost Recovery Rates
Explaining the science behind onion preservation, officials highlighted that onions contain nearly 90 per cent water content. Post-harvest, onions naturally retain their prime quality for roughly three months, after which gradual shrinkage occurs due to moisture evaporation. Spoilage rates depend heavily on ventilation, temperature control, and physical storage conditions.
While a small portion of the buffer stock was procured in May, the vast majority was procured during June and July, preserving overall quality. Due to the upgraded storage facilities under the CWC, the onion recovery rate has improved significantly to an estimated 72 per cent this year. This represents a substantial jump from 63 per cent in 2024, 54 per cent in 2023, and 49 per cent in 2022. The procurement process continues through key state agencies, including NAFED and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).
Dedicated ‘Kanda Express’ Trains Dispatched to Cool Market Rates
To curb local price inflation and ensure smooth availability, the government has deployed dedicated freight trains known as the ‘Kanda Express’. Bulk consignments of onions are being transported directly from major producing regions to major consumption hubs, including Delhi, Chennai, Madurai, Ernakulam, and Guwahati.
A fresh shipment of 453 tonnes reached the national capital recently, with additional shipments arriving in rapid succession. Following these bulk deliveries, wholesale mandi prices in key supply centers like Nashik have already begun to soften. Prices are expected to stabilize further across retail markets in Delhi-NCR and surrounding northern states within a week. Furthermore, alternative supply routes from states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are actively supplementing the supply chain.
Promising Crop Outlook for Kharif and Rabi Seasons
Looking ahead, the government has assured consumers that overall domestic onion availability remains comfortable for the coming months. Total onion production for 2025–26 is estimated at 307.37 lakh tonnes, which aligns closely with the 307.67 lakh tonnes produced in the previous year.
With the threat of El Niño subsiding, the outlook for both the upcoming Kharif and Rabi onion crops remains very positive. Enhanced irrigation infrastructure and healthy water reservoir levels in key agricultural belts provide strong backing for a steady yield, ensuring adequate market supply and price stabilization across the country.
