Delhi to buy direct, punish hoarders

With onion prices driving Delhiites to tears, the state government on Tuesday decided to place an order for direct purchase of onions from the country's biggest wholesale market at Lasalgaon, Maharashtra, through NAFED, the farmers' cooperative. HT reports.

With onion prices driving Delhiites to tears, the state government on Tuesday decided to place an order for direct purchase of onions from the country's biggest wholesale market at Lasalgaon, Maharashtra, through NAFED, the farmers' cooperative.

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It also announced a crackdown on hoarders - including raids and cancellation of licenses - and said, if needed, it would facilitate retail sale at wholesale prices.

Retail prices showed no sign of easing on Tuesday though onion arrivals were higher, rising from 730 tonnes on Monday to 1,140 tonnes, bringing down wholesale price by Rs 5 per kg. Retail rates remained Rs 70-80 a kg.

"Traders said there's a chance of better availability on Wednesday," said Jayashree Raghuraman, secretary in the food and supplies department.