New Delhi: The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) apex body of consumer cooperatives has started retail sale of onions at ₹19 per kg in Delhi NCR, well below the prevailing market price of ₹25–35 per kg. Acting on behalf of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), the initiative aims to protect consumers from soaring prices while ensuring farmers receive fair returns.
“The onions, sourced from Nashik, have been stored in controlled atmospheric cold (CA cold store) storage using irradiation technology. This newly developed technology is recommended by the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). The Government of India is piloting this technology to reduce storage losses and stabilize supply. After four months of storage at the CA cold store, the Grade A Rabi onions, pink in color and known for their sweeter taste compared to the red Kharif variety, remain intact in quality.” said Mr Vishal Singh , Chairman , NCCF , while launching the onion laden trucks .
“This initiative demonstrates how modern storage techniques can help manage uneven price fluctuations, stabilize supply, and improve consumer access to high‑quality produce. It represents a balanced approach—protecting consumers from inflation while safeguarding farmer incomes.” said Ms Anice Joseph Chandra , Managing Director , NCCF
“NCCF has earlier undertaken a similar market intervention in tomatoes by retailing at ₹40 per kg when the ongoing market price was ranging from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, which was causing a major drain on consumers’ pockets.” said Ms Chandra
Retailing of onions will be done through mobile vans operating across the Delhi NCR region (as mentioned below), as well as at NCCF’s retail store at Nehru Place and outlets located in major metro stations like Udyog Bhawan, Rajeev Chowk and Patel Chowk.
NCCF is planning to sell various food products under their brand ‘Janah’, which are sourced from farmers’ enterprises, are of high quality, and available at affordable prices to consumers.
