The procurement of onions would begin from next month, a top official in the Consumer Affairs Ministry official said.
Last year, the retail price of onion had skyrocketed to about Rs 80-90 per kg. The sharp rise in prices had forced the government to boost supply in the market by purchasing onions from domestic as well as overseas market.
"We have decided to buy 15,000 tonnes of onion from next month from Lasalgaon in Maharashtra," Consumer Affairs Secretary C Viswanath told reporters.
The Price Stabilisation Fund would be utilised for this purpose.
Last year, the government had procured 8,000 tonnes of onion but it was done after the retail prices had gone through the roof.
This time, the Consumer Affairs Ministry has been asked to prepare timely import plans for pulses and onions. It has also been asked to intervene in the market on time so that consumers are not affected by price rise.
In view of fall in onion prices, the government has removed the minimum export price of onion on December 24, 2015, he added.
"Despite drought during the current year and excessive rains in southern states, onion production during the current 2015-16 agriculture year is expected to be higher as compared to the previous year," Kundariya said.
At present, retail price of onion is ruling at Rs 20 per kg in the national capital. Normally, prices flare up during August-September period.