| Date: |
06-01-2011 |
| Subject: |
Pakistani Onion Imports to Ease Supply Troubles in India |
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The first consignment of Pakistani onions contracted by Indian state owned trading agencies will arrive in Amritsar On Thursday and could reach markets in Delhi a day or so after, official sources In New Delhi said on Wednesday. The consignment will reach the Wagah border, from where it will be
shifted to Indian trucks for onward transportation to Delhi and other parts of the country. While the exact quantity coming from Pakistan could not be ascertained, sources said it would be "sizeable enough".
These imports have been requisitioned by PEC and the State Trading Corporation under the Commerce Ministry.
The supply would reach in two to three lots and the landed cost could be about Rs 30 per kg, much below the prevailing price of Rs 50 to Rs 60 in retail markets of major metros across the country.
Apart from these two trading firms, private traders are also importing onions from Pakistan. Onion prices had surged to Rs 70 to Rs 85 per kg between December 20 to 21 because of damage to crops in Maharashtra, a major producing state on account of rains. Moreover, hoarders were found to be deliberately pushing up prices.
Source : hindustantimes.com
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