{
  "id": 3963285,
  "title": "Onion Buffer Stock Quality ‘Good’, Centre Launches Kanda Express To Rein In Prices As Delhi Rates Rise 88 Per Cent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/onion-buffer-stock-quality-good-centre-launches-kanda-express-to-rein",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-28T12:04:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/onion-buffer-stock-quality-good-centre-launches-kanda-express-to-rein-in-prices-as-delhi-rates-rise-88-per-cent"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Delhi, August 28, 2026: The Centre's onion buffer stock is in \"good\" condition, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. She dismissed reports that a large portion of the government-held stock had gone bad. The buffer consists of 1.21 lakh tonnes, and for the first time this year, it has been entrusted to the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) to improve storage conditions and extend shelf life. Khare stated that nothing of the sort has occurred, and the quality of the stock remains good. The storage of onions is challenging due to their high water content, which retains quality for about three months post-harvest before shrinking as water evaporates. The spoilage rate depends on storage conditions and ventilation. Onion recovery this year is estimated at 72%, up from 49% in 2022, 54% in 2023, and 63% in 2024, indicating improved storage and management practices. The buffer stock is being transported to Delhi, Chennai, Madurai, Ernakulam, and Guwahati via the Kanda Express, a dedicated rail rake. A consignment of 453 tonnes arrived in Delhi on Friday, which is expected to help alleviate price pressure in Delhi-NCR and surrounding cities. Mandi prices in Nashik have already started easing following the initiative. Positive crop outlooks, including promising conditions for the kharif onion crop due to the end of El Nino scare and improved irrigation, offer some relief for future supplies. However, retail prices remain high, making the timely arrival of additional stocks crucial for consumer price relief.",
  "summary": "New Delhi, August 28, 2026: The Centre’s onion buffer stock remains in “good” condition, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said on Friday, rejecting reports that a significant portion of the government-held stock had rotted. Khare said the government has maintained an onion buffer of 1.21 lakh tonnes and, for the first time this year, entrusted its storage to the Central Warehousing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}