Journalism of Courage
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar indicated Wednesday onion prices will remain high in the next 2-3 weeks pending arrival of the kharif crop and asked cooperative major NAFED to import the bulb from Pakistan,Iran,Egypt and China to augment domestic supply and cool rates.
“Next two-three weeks will be tough. Ultimately,we have to find a solution,” he said in Bangalore,adding,”In my assessment,this situation will continue the next two-three weeks”.
Pawar favoured urgent import from countries with surplus to boost domestic availability in the short term. “I have instructed the managing director of NAFED (that) if there is a request from a state,we should be ready,” he said.
Meanwhile,NAFED floated a tender for import of onions to deliver in Delhi,where Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit faces Assembly elections in little over a month.
“NAFED is interested in importing onions of Pakistan/Iran/China/Egypt origin to be delivered at the NAFED warehouse on Lawrence Road,New Delhi,” said the tender that seeks offers by October 29.
