Central Government to Sell Potatoes at 35 Rupees per Kilogram in Delhi The Indian government has announced a major initiative to stabilize potato prices across the country by launching a subsidized sale of potatoes in Delhi at 35 rupees per kilogram. This decision comes amid rising inflation and concerns over the sharp increase in potato prices in several cities, where retail rates have surged to between 55 and 60 rupees per kilogram. The move is intended to alleviate the financial burden on consumers and ensure affordability during the ongoing summer season. The government has prepared a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tons of potatoes, which will be distributed through three key agencies: the National Cooperative Development Federation (NCF), the National Cooperative Marketing Federation (NCMF), and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). The first phase of the distribution will begin in Delhi on 26 August 2026, with the government’s food and civil supplies minister, Prahalad Joshi, overseeing the initial sales. The NCF, which holds 62,000 tons of the buffer stock, will distribute potatoes through 100 central warehouses and 300 outlets of the Mother Dairy. Additionally, mobile vans will be deployed to reach remote areas, starting with 15 vans, which will be increased to 40 by the following week. The agency is also collaborating with the Mother Dairy to expand distribution networks. A special rail service, named "Kanda Express," has been arranged to transport potatoes from Nasik in Maharashtra to Delhi, with an expected delivery of 400 tons by 26 August. This service will ensure rapid movement of the buffer stock to the capital.#central_government #mother_dairy #kanda_express #prahlad_joshi #national_cooperative_development_federation
Government Launches Special Rail Service to Curb Rising Onion Prices The Indian government has announced a major initiative to address the surge in onion prices by launching a dedicated rail service known as "Kanda Express." This special transportation network will deliver onions to five major cities where prices have been significantly high, with the goal of reducing costs for consumers. The move comes amid rising inflation and the approach of festive seasons, which typically see a spike in demand for onions. The government has decided to supply onions at a subsidized rate of 35 rupees per kilogram in these cities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize food prices and ensure affordability for households. According to officials, the first batch of onions will be transported via the "Kanda Express" rail service and is expected to reach designated markets by August 26. This timing is crucial as it aligns with the pre-festival period, when demand for onions typically increases. The decision to introduce the special rail service was driven by the need to address the growing concerns over inflation, particularly in the food sector. Recent data shows that onion prices have been rising sharply due to factors such as supply chain disruptions, increased transportation costs, and seasonal shortages. The government's intervention aims to mitigate these challenges by ensuring a steady supply of onions at controlled prices. The five cities selected for this initiative are not disclosed in the announcement, but they are described as major urban centers with high consumer demand. The government has emphasized that the rail service will prioritize speed and efficiency to ensure that the onions reach the markets in a timely manner.#indian_government #food_prices #kanda_express #onion_prices #rail_service
Central Government Launches Subsidized Onion Sale at 35 Rupees per Kilogram The Indian government has announced a major initiative to curb rising onion prices across the country by launching a subsidized sale of onions at 35 rupees per kilogram starting from the next day. This decision aims to address the growing concerns over inflation, as retail prices in several cities have surged to between 55 and 60 rupees per kilogram. The government will distribute the onions through its buffer stock, which includes 1.21 lakh tons of onions procured for 2026. The initiative will begin in Delhi on the following day, with the central government’s buffer stock being sold at the subsidized rate. Central Food and Public Distribution Minister Prahalad Joshi will inaugurate the sale in Delhi, marking the first step in a broader distribution plan. The onions will be supplied through three key agencies: the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED), the National Commission for Farmers (NCCF), and the Central Warehouse. NAFED, which manages a stock of approximately 62,000 tons of onions, will play a central role in the distribution. A special train, dubbed the "Kanda Express," will transport 400 tons of onions from Nasik to Delhi via rail, arriving by the following Thursday. This logistical effort ensures timely delivery to the capital. In Delhi, the onions will be sold through 100 stores and 15 mobile vans, with the number of mobile vans expected to increase to 40 by the weekend. The government plans to expand the subsidized sale to the National Capital Region (NCR) by the weekend, ensuring wider access to affordable onions. Additionally, the onions will be distributed to cities such as Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Varanasi, and other regions facing high prices.#central_government #national_capital_region #pra_halad_joshi #kanda_express
