Large crowds flock Visakhapatnam Rythu Bazaars for ₹35 onion-sale

Large crowds flocked Rythu Bazaars across Visakhapatnam as the subsidised onion sale began on Saturday morning with the selling price of per kg onion standing as low as ₹35, almost half of the prevailing market rate which is between ₹60 and ₹70 per kg.

However, the authorities have restricted the sale to two kg per person to ensure that the subsidised onions reach as many consumers as possible. Buyers are required to produce their Aadhaar cards to avail themselves of the facility.

Public representatives started the programme in various Assembly constituencies. At the MVP Rythu Bazaar, a large number of women and elderly persons were seen waiting in queues for their turn. Similar scenes were witnessed at Seethammadhara and Gopalapatnam Rythu bazaars, where consumers turned up in considerable numbers.

40-tonne onion in district

The district received nearly 40 tonnes of onions for the subsidised sale, as per the officials. The stock was distributed among the Rythu bazaars based on their regular footfall, with each centre receiving around two to three tonnes.

Estate Officer at Gopalapatnam Rythu Bazaar G. Prasad said that nearly one tonne of onions was sold on the first day. The remaining stock will be sold when the subsidised sale resumes on Sunday, he added.

The subsidised price of ₹35 a kg has provided considerable relief to consumers, particularly at a time when onion prices in private markets have risen sharply. Earlier, onions were being sold at around ₹54 a kg at Rythu bazaars.

“In the private markets, onions are being sold at around ₹60 to ₹70 a kg, while two kg costs about ₹120. But the quality is not good. Some vendors are selling onions from autorickshaws, but even there the quality is not satisfactory. So, we decided to buy the subsidised onions,” said Sai Padma, a homemaker, at the Seethammadhara Rythu Bazaar.

However, consumers said the rise in onion prices was adding to their household expenses, especially as prices of several other vegetables had also increased.

“We are already finding it difficult to manage the monthly household expenses. When the prices of essential vegetables keep increasing, it becomes a burden on families like ours. Even if onions are available at a subsidised price, the prices of other vegetables are worrying us,” said a woman consumer at the MVP Rythu Bazaar.

Consumers also complained about the limited availability of different varieties of vegetables at both Rythu Bazaars and private markets.

“There are not enough varieties of vegetables available. We have to visit different markets to get everything we need. Even cauliflower is not of good quality in several markets. We are paying higher prices, but the quality is not always satisfactory,” said a consumer at the Seethammadhara Rythu Bazaar.