New Delhi: In a bid to boost domestic production and curb food inflation, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, urged northeastern states to prioritize the cultivation of pulses and horticultural crops. This call to action was made by Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department, during a day-long round table consultation held in Guwahati today, a PIB press release stated.
Emphasizing the region’s potential, Khare highlighted the critical role northeastern states play in achieving India’s self-sufficiency in pulses production by 2027. She underscored the impact increased production would have on moderating food prices, reducing import dependency, and stabilizing the economy.
To ensure wider availability of onions in Northeastern States and lead to decline in prices, a shipment of 840 MT onion by rail rake arrived at Changsari Station in Guwahati on 5th November, 2024. Khare announced the arrival of an 840 MT onion shipment in Guwahati on November 5th, 2024. This initiative, facilitated by the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), will ensure wider availability and price stability of onions across Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and other northeastern states. For the first time, onions are being transported in bulk from Nashik to Delhi, Chennai, and Guwahati by rail rake, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Bulk onion disposal in major markets has increased availability and lowered prices.
This round table consultation, a first of its kind, brought together representatives from various state departments, research organizations, and stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for increasing food availability and managing prices in the region.
Khare stressed the importance of a collaborative and integrated approach among states, leveraging the support offered by the Department, and utilizing NCCF’s contract farming initiatives.
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