India to deploy chilled onions to keep supplies timely and prices stable

In a first, India plans to deploy dedicated refrigerated containers to transport onions to markets across the country, prevent supply disruptions and price volatility.

- Dhirendra Kumar

The consumer affairs ministry is in discussions with the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), a logistics company under the railway ministry, to provide dedicated refrigerated containers to minimize wastage and ensure quality onion supplies from Nashik, a key production hub, two people aware of the matter said.

"The discussion is ongoing, and we are hopeful that the Indian Railways will provide refrigerated wagons for carrying onions from Nashik, the sourcing station, to different parts of the country," one person said.

Kitchen staples such as onions, tomatoes and potatoes are key contributors to food inflation and susceptible to shortages due to factors such as weather-related crop damage.

A significant quantity of onions gets damaged due to transportation in unrefrigerated, open wagons.