Prices fall during Onam due to government intervention

Onam is a time of great expense not only for the common people but also for the government. Kerala has requested the Centre to allow it to borrow Rs 5,000 crore for Onam and post-Onam expenses. It is expected that the Centre will soon allow Kerala to borrow the amount set aside for borrowing for the last three months, given Onam, which is Kerala's most celebrated festival. Although the government has cancelled grand Onam celebrations in the wake of the Wayanad landslides, it will still have to pay bonuses and festival allowances to government employees. In addition, more than Rs 20,000 crore will be required for expenses such as salaries, pensions, interest on previous loans, and welfare pensions. Along with this, the government will have to spend crores to intervene in the market to control the price and provide Onam kits to six lakh families.

The Food Department was able to control the price of coconut oil, which had soared to Rs 500 much before Onam, to Rs 380 per kilogram in the wholesale market through effective market intervention. It is very reassuring that the price of most rice varieties is below Rs 50 per kilogram at present. As a result of the government's intervention, vegetable prices are also coming down. Therefore, it is expected that the common people will be able to celebrate Onam this year without losing much money. Food Minister GR Anil had announced that the Supplyco Onam markets will begin on the 25th of this month. It is expected that the prices of essential commodities in the public market will come down again, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurating the Onam markets at Putharikandam Maithanam in Thiruvananthapuram.

District fairs will also begin in other district centers on the 26th and 27th. The markets will be held for ten days until September 4, the day of Uthradam. Travelling Onam markets are also being organised in all assembly constituencies from the 25th, as part of making market intervention effective. Supplyco is providing an additional two-hour discount on non-subsidized goods every day. "Happy hours" are from 2 to 4 pm. Buyers will get an additional 10 percent discount during this timeframe. In addition, non-subsidized branded products will be available at a discount of up to 50 percent at Onam markets. 20 kg of rice will also be distributed at a price of Rs. 25 per kg.

The price of chillies in the open market, which reached Rs 350 per kg, has now come down to Rs 120. The prices of onions and green gram have also come down. Although the prices of vegetables have generally come down, some varieties have seen a slight price increase. With the commencement of Horticorp Onam markets, their prices are likely to come down as well. Currently, eight kg of rice is provided at subsidised rates per ration card. It has also been decided to specially allocate 20 kg of raw rice or parboiled rice per card at a rate of Rs 25, in addition to this, during the Onam season. It is believed that this year's Onam can be celebrated with tenfold splendour if the Centre allows more borrowing.