In order to keep onion prices in check, the Centre has asked government cooperative, Nafed, to procure 300 tonnes of the kitchen staple. Sources said this will ensure enough availability of onion through government outlets, something that was done in October-November last year. 

Officials said the decision was taken on Friday at a meeting, which was attended by officials from the agriculture ministry, Nafed, Safal and other agencies. The decision gains importance considering the fact that Delhi may go to polls in October and amidst reports that onion prices could spike in the months ahead due to short supply.