BY TC News Desk
Agartala: August 24. Despite persistent efforts by the Sadar Sub-Division administration to curb onion prices through market raids, unscrupulous traders continue to exploit the situation, causing significant financial strain on consumers.
Contrary to the claims of traders, reports indicate that the price of good-quality red onions in Nashik is currently priced at Rs 25-30 per kilogram. However, these premium onions are not being supplied to the state.
Instead, lower-quality onions are being sourced from outside the state at a cost of Rs 20-22 per kilogram, which are then being sold at an exorbitant rate of Rs 45-50 per kilogram in the main markets of the Sadar Sub-Division.
A recent market raid conducted by the Sadar Sub-Division administration at the Battala market exposed the extent of this price manipulation. While the wholesale price of onions stood at Rs 36 per kilogram, numerous vendors were found selling onions at Rs 45 per kilogram, clearly taking advantage of the inflated prices. Notices were issued to these unscrupulous traders, and further action is being pursued.
One case involved a vendor named Ratan Datta, who was selling onions at Rs 45 per kilogram and was subsequently served a notice.
This vendor’s weighing machine also lacked proper verification, prompting the involvement of the Legal Metrology department to rectify the situation. The Director of the Food Department, Nirmal Adhikari, has also been notified about these developments.
Despite the ongoing administrative efforts to regulate prices, reports from the market suggest that onions are still being sold at Rs 47-50 per kilogram. While the administration’s campaign aims to bring down prices by Rs 5-10, the persistent price hikes underscore the challenges they face in curbing the dishonest practices of these traders.
