Government Rolls Out Onion Price Relief at Rs 25/kg Amid Soaring Food Costs

In a bid to cushion households from rising food inflation, the Indian government has launched a nationwide initiative to sell onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 25 per kilogram.

The program, spearheaded by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and other cooperative agencies, was formally inaugurated today by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi at Krishi Bhavan.

The subsidised onions will be available exclusively at designated government outlets.

This move comes in response to erratic weather patterns—unseasonal rains, heatwaves, and floods—that have severely impacted crop yields and disrupted supply chains, leading to steep price hikes in essential vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions.

Experts warn that climate change is increasingly destabilising agricultural output, making food prices unpredictable.

The government’s intervention aims to stabilise the vegetable market, support inflation-hit families, and reinforce food security across the country.

This onion relief scheme is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of climate-induced price volatility and ensure affordable access to essential commodities.