The food and supplies department of Haryana has decided to launch a special drive to prevent hoarding of onions so as to ensure supply of onions in the market as per demand.
A spokesperson for the department said in a release that food and supply controllers of all districts had been directed to check the stock of wholesalers and retailers as hoarding of onions by wholesalers could be a reason for its soaring prices.
He said as per the order, no wholesaler or retailer could, without sufficient cause, refuse to sell to retailer or consumer any article in stock with him under the Haryana Prevention of Hoarding and Maintenance of Quality Order, 1977.
He said all officials of the department had been directed to keep a check on wholesalers and retailers in coordination so as to prevent hoarding of onions. If any wholesaler or retailer would be found hoarding onions, action would be initiated against him under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, he added.