Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit directs raids against onion hoarders

Concerned over skyrocketing price of onions, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit today directed the food and civil supplies department to immediately conduct raids against hoarders.

After a high-level meeting, Dikshit said her government has decided to place order for direct purchase of onion from Nashik in Maharashtra through NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation) to overcome the shortage in the city.

The raids will start with immediate effect, said food and civil supplies minister Harun Yusuf.

Dikshit said onion prices in the city which touched Rs80 per kg are bound to stabilise in the next few days.

The average daily consumption of onions in Delhi is approximately 300 metric tonne, hence it is not difficult to meet the demand, she said.

Officials told the meeting that the prices have already started coming down with more arrivals from Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The price of onions soared to Rs70-80 per kg in retail markets in Delhi. Traders attributed the rise in rates to supply crunch due to unseasonal rains in Maharashtra, Gujarat and southern states.

"There has been a 13.5% decrease in wholesale price of onion in Azadpur Mandi wholesale market as compared to prices yesterday," they said.

Dikshit said departments concerned have been instructed to conduct raids on hoarders and take strict action against them.

"The action may include cancellation of their licenses even," said Yusuf.

Officials said in case situation demands the government will facilitate sale of onions at reasonable prices at select outlets across the city including Mother Dairy stores and Kendriya Bhandars.

The department of food and supplies has already initiated the process to make arrangements for sell of onions at subsidised rates.