Centre asks states to invoke ECA

It,however,also initiated the process of importing onion from Pakistan,Iran,Egypt and China to cool rates.

“The next two-three weeks will be tough. Ultimately,we have to find a solution,” Pawar said in Bangalore.

Asked whether he meant that the prices would come down in the next two-three weeks,he said: “No-no. I am not an astrologer. But I know something about crops. In my assessment,this situation will continue for the next two-three weeks.”

Pawar asked the chief ministers of all states to invoke Essential Commodities Act against hoarders.

The minister also said he would tell Food Minister K V Thomas that the cooperative NAFED was ready to import the bulb.

Stating that extensive rain had hit supply,Pawar said: “We have to import as early as possible. I have instructed the managing director of NAFED (that) if there is a request from any state,we should be ready.”

“Fortunately,there is ample onion (stock) available in China,Egypt and neighbouring countries. The prices in these countries are less compared to India,” he said.

Meanwhile,NAFED floated a tender for import of onion from Pakistan,Iran,China and Egypt.

It also relaxed conditions for import to augment domestic supply.

The Centre has called a meeting of agriculture secretaries of five major onion-producing states — Maharashtra,Andhra Pradesh,Rajasthan,Gujarat and Karnataka — on October 25 to review production and marketing of the crop.