BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 26th August 2023 : Despite continuous efforts by the Sadar Sub-Divisional administration to curb the soaring onion prices, their initiatives appear to have hit a stumbling block.
The recent inauguration of a Fair Price Onion Selling Center on Netaji Subhash Road, spearheaded by the Agartala Potato, Onion, Garlic Wholesale Traders Association in collaboration with the Food Department, has raised questions about the quality and effectiveness of the administration’s price control measures.
The Fair Price Onion Selling Center, inaugurated by Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Arup Dev promised consumers access to onions at reasonable rates, aiming to quell the concerns of skyrocketing prices. Customers were assured the purchase of onions at Rs 38 per kilo and 100 grams of onions for Rs 40.
However, discontent has surfaced among buyers as reports suggest that the onions made available for sale during the grand opening of the center are not the renowned red onions from Nashik, known for their quality. Nashik’s red onion prices have been marginally higher than average, leading to a sudden surge of Rs 50 in onion prices over the last 20-25 days.
Critics argue that the Fair Price Onion Center’s success hinges on aligning the cost with the quality of Nashik’s red onions. If the onions can be sourced at prices within the range of 38 to 40 taka, customers and traders alike would likely find satisfaction, eliminating the need for undue hype.
The administration’s broader plan to establish similar onion sales centers in major markets, including Battala Bazar and Lake Chowmhani Bazar, has further raised concerns about the feasibility of maintaining consistent quality and prices across these centers.
As consumers eagerly await a resolution to the ongoing onion price conundrum, the delicate balance between quality, affordability, and trader satisfaction remains a key challenge for the Sadar sub-divisional administration.
