Government efforts to build a buffer stock of onions are lagging significantly, with less than 5% of the target procured despite multiple price hikes. This slow pace raises concerns about market stability and potential hoarding, especially with the upcoming festive season and weather uncertainties impacting the next crop. Farmers are reportedly selling at higher market rates, bypassing government procurement.

Government hikes onion procurement price by 13% to Rs 2,125/quintal, effective July 4, 2026, to boost buffer stock purchases amid a slow start. This is the fifth increase this…

This marks the fifth upward revision in the procurement price this season, as the government's onion buying for the 2026 buffer stock under the Price Stabilisation Fund has got…