Hussain reviews issue of onion retail prices

Delhi's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain on Tuesday reviewed the issue of retail prices of onions in the national capital.

Officers of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) informed that due to floods in Maharashtra, regular supply of onions from Nashik were disrupted for a few days for which the concerned officers have been instructed to normalise the supply in abundance, said a statement from the government.

The minister was informed that the supply of onions to the city have since increased from Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Officers of Mother Dairy/Safal Outlets informed that NAFED has sufficient stock of onions and supplies in the retail market by Mother Dairy/Safal have been increased so that the retail prices of onions may not increase, the statement added.

The officers informed that the retail prices of onions in Delhi are not likely to increase further in view of sufficient supplies and stored stocks.

Hussain directed APMC to hold meetings with onion merchants/associations to ensure that onion retail prices are under control.

He also directed the Food and Supplies Department and APMC to take effective enforcement action against hoarding activities, possible cartelisation and black- marketing.

He directed to send enforcement teams to various markets and godowns for checking such activities, if any. They were also directed to send daily inspection reports for the perusal of the minister.

Hussain directed commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies to convene regular meetings with stakeholder departments/agencies to ensure that prices of onions and other commodities are stable and under control.