NAFED Delivers 840 Metric Tonnes of Onions to Delhi via Train
On October 30, 2024, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) delivered 840 metric tonnes of onions to Delhi’s Kishanganj Railway Station. This delivery is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs’ price stabilization efforts. The onions will be distributed across Delhi-NCR, with most being sold at Azadpur Mandi and some available for retail at Rs 35 per kilogram.
Efficient Transportation
This marks the second bulk transportation of onions by train to Delhi-NCR, following a previous delivery of 1,600 MT on October 20, 2024. For the first time, rail rake transportation is being used to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. NAFED also transported 840 MT of onions to Chennai and is sending another shipment to Guwahati.
Price Stabilization Efforts
The government procured 4.7 lakh tonnes of rabi onions for price stabilization, with releases starting on September 5, 2024. Over 1.40 lakh tonnes have been dispatched nationwide. Retail prices have stabilized in major states, and the rail shipment to Guwahati is expected to improve availability in northeastern states.
Partnerships and Distribution
NAFED and NCCF have partnered with retail chains like SAFAL, Kendriya Bhandar, and Reliance Retail to distribute onions at Rs 35 per kg. Additionally, 86,500 MT of onions have been allocated to state governments and cooperative societies for retail distribution.
Doubts Revealed
NAFED -: NAFED stands for National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India. It is an organization that helps farmers sell their produce, like onions, at fair prices.
Metric Tonnes -: A metric tonne is a unit of weight. It is equal to 1,000 kilograms. So, 840 metric tonnes means 840,000 kilograms of onions.
Kishanganj Railway Station -: Kishanganj Railway Station is a train station in Delhi, India. It is where the onions were delivered by train.
Azadpur Mandi -: Azadpur Mandi is a large market in Delhi where fruits and vegetables are sold. It is one of the biggest markets in Asia for these items.
Procured -: Procured means to obtain or buy something. In this context, the government has bought a large amount of onions to help control prices.
Stabilize Prices -: Stabilize prices means to keep the prices from going too high or too low. It helps people afford onions without spending too much money.