The Central government has rejected reports claiming that a large portion of its onion buffer stock has spoiled, stating that the quality of the stored onions remains satisfactory. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said the government’s 1.21 lakh tonnes of onion buffer stock is in good condition and is being regularly monitored. She explained that, for the first time, the responsibility for storing the buffer stock has been entrusted to the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) instead of private traders, with independent quality assessments being carried out to ensure better preservation and longer shelf life.
The government also highlighted improvements in onion storage and transportation this year. Officials said onions naturally contain about 90 percent water, causing them to shrink gradually after harvest, but proper storage significantly reduces spoilage. Most of the buffer stock was procured during June and July, helping maintain better quality. The recovery rate of stored onions has also improved to 72 percent, compared to 49 percent in 2022, 54 percent in 2023, and 63 percent in 2024. To improve supplies and help control prices, the government has started transporting onions through the dedicated ‘Kanda Express’ rail service to cities including Delhi, Chennai, Madurai, Ernakulam, and Guwahati, with a fresh consignment already reaching Delhi.
Despite retail onion prices remaining high in several markets, the Centre expressed confidence that supplies will remain sufficient in the coming months. Officials noted that mandi prices in Nashik have already started easing and said increased arrivals from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will further strengthen availability in northern India. The government also expressed optimism about both the kharif and rabi onion crops, citing improved irrigation facilities, healthy reservoir water levels, and reduced concerns over El Niño. According to official estimates, India’s onion production for 2025–26 is expected to remain broadly stable at around 307 lakh tonnes, which the government believes will be adequate to meet domestic demand while helping stabilize prices.
