New Delhi (NVI): Facing flak over no let up in sky-rocketing onion prices, the Government today directed the relevant agencies to “immediately” import onions from Dubai, Turkey and Egypt to augment domestic supplies of this essential commodity.
Consequent to a high level meeting here, MMTC has been asked to immediately import onions from Dubai while officials of MMTC and NAFED have been told to visit Turkey and Egypt in this regard.
In the meeting between Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs and Cabinet Secretary, approval has also been granted to reduce the mandatory time for tendering as there is an immediate and prompt requirement domestically. A tender for the same has been issued.
Further, NAFED has been directed to speed up its domestic procurement process especially from Alwar in Rajasthan and supply to States that have already indicated their demand. So far a total of 300 tons of Onions per day have been demanded which will be progressively increased as per the increased demands of State Governments, an official statement said.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has requested the Delhi and Rajasthan Governments and APMCs to keep their Mandis open from 9th till 12th November, 2019 so as to prevent any disruption in supplies.
It was also informed at the meeting that strict and appropriate action will be taken against such traders in Delhi, Maharashtra and Rajasthan who are constantly in touch with each other and are trying to manipulate the prices.
-nad
