Chennai: Onion stocks supplied for sale through ration shops in Tamil Nadu have been exhausted, prompting the state to seek additional supplies from the Centre.
With onion production reported to be lower in Tamil Nadu, demand has been met by sourcing from Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, reduced arrivals from these states have pushed up prices across several states, including Tamil Nadu.
In Tamil Nadu, onions are currently retailing at around Rs 60–70 per kg. To curb the price rise, the state decided to sell onions through ration shops at a subsidised rate.
In the first phase, the Tamil Nadu Consumer Cooperative Federation procured 910 tonnes of onions from the central government. Sales began on September 3 at 8,914 urban ration shops, priced at Rs 35 per kg.
On average, about 50 kg was supplied to each shop, and distribution was limited to one kg per ration cardholder. Officials said most outlets have already sold out, and the state has now requested an additional 1,000 tonnes from central cooperative organisations to continue the scheme once the new stock arrives.
