Onions from Government buffer

Lifestyle

Onions from Government buffer stock to reach Kolkata on 24 September

The Government of India is strengthening the supply of onions in West Bengal, with the Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026. The arrival is expected to facilitate faster movement of larger quantities of onions and further strengthen availability in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.

The Government of India is stepping up the supply of onions in West Bengal, with the Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026. The arrival is expected to facilitate faster movement of larger quantities of onions and further strengthen availability in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.

Around 1,400 MT of onions have already been distributed in West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at ?35 per kg, mainly through road transport. With the arrival of Kanda Express, additional quantities will now be moved more efficiently, helping improve market availability and moderate seasonal price pressures.

The distribution of onions from the incoming consignment is being planned in Kolkata and adjoining districts, with the focus on ensuring that the intervention has maximum impact on prevailing retail prices. In Kolkata, retail sales are currently being undertaken at more than 25 locations, including major markets such as Koley Market, Mechua Mandi, Maniktala Market, Rampuria Market and Shyam bazar Market.

The Government is also exploring the possibility of retail sale of buffer stock onions through Sufal Bangla, which would provide consumers with additional points of access and help widen the reach of the intervention.

The Kolkata-bound Kanda Express is part of the Government's ongoing strategy of calibrated release of onions from the PSF buffer stock through a hybrid rail-and-road transportation network. The targeted disposal of buffer stock through NAFED and NCCF commenced on 24 August 2026, with supplies being progressively sent to different parts of the country based on market requirements.

So far, onions from the buffer stock have been supplied to more than 100 cities across the country. The use of both rail and road transport has enabled the Government to move onions in larger quantities while responding to regional requirements in a timely manner.

The increased availability has also started easing price pressures in several parts of the country. During the past one week, retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States/UTs, indicating an improvement in market availability following the buffer stock interventions.

Among the States/UTs where onion prices declined during the past week are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

The Government is continuing to monitor onion availability and prices across major consuming markets and is undertaking calibrated releases from the buffer stock, as required, to improve availability and moderate seasonal price pressures. Further supplies are likely to be sent to different markets based on local requirements, including during the ensuing festive season.