Exclusive: As onion prices cross Rs 100/kg mark in many regions, state authorities may take stern action against hoarders

The central government may direct state and Union Territory authorities to take stringent action against hoarders and middlemen amid reports indicating that the retail price of this kitchen staple has surpassed Rs 100 per kilogram in multiple regions across the country, Zee Business learned from sources. The Centre is learned to be closely tracking demand, supply and price trends related to onions in different locations in the country. 

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There is plenty of onion supply in the markets with the onset of the entry of the Kharif-related production, according to sources. 

On Tuesday, a special Kanda Express train carrying onion supplies to the tune of 840 million tonnes (MT) from the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) is scheduled to arrive in the national capital.

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The food cooperative operates this special train to supply onions in different parts of the country. 

Analysts say that the arrival of fresh supplies will ease onion prices in Delhi. 

The development comes after onion prices were learned to have crossed Rs 100 per kilogram mark in several neighborhoods in the national capital. 

Authorities are closely monitoring onion prices, amid suspicions of speculative activities, including hoarding, according to sources. 

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The government keeps monitoring the prices of various essential commodities in different parts of the country and takes action to ensure fair prices for consumers.   

The country's agricultural season is primarily divided into two parts: Kharif and Rabi.

Typically, the Kharif season begins in July and ends in October whereas the Rabi season begins in October and ends in March.

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Crops grown during the Kharif season are generally highly dependent on the monsoon rains.