Why in news
- Department of Consumer Affairs initiated calibrated market intervention releasing buffer stock onions at ₹35/kg via mobile outlets and rail logistics.
What is the Mechanism?
- Targeted market intervention scheme executed through Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) mechanisms to curb retail food inflation.
- Buffer stocks managed by Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), NAFED, and NCCF are deployed to demand centers.
Role of Kanda Express Logistics
- Utilises dedicated Indian Railways rakes ('Kanda Express') for bulk transport from key producing regions to major consumption urban centers.
- Scaled up movement from 12,000 MT (14 rakes) in 2024-25 to 88,000 MT (86 rakes to 16 cities) in 2025-26, lowering freight transport costs compared to road transit.
Key terms
Price Stabilisation Fund
A central fund set up to absorb price volatility of essential agricultural commodities through strategic buffer procurement and market release.
Prelims facts
- Price Stabilisation Fund operates under the Department of Consumer Affairs to manage perishables.
Mains discussion
- Role of logistics innovation and strategic buffers in mitigating seasonal agri-commodity inflation.
Source: PIB Press Release
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2024 · Q14 · GS III · 15 marks
Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. -
2023 · Q51 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women. 3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. How many of the statements given above are correct? -
2018 · Q7 · GS II · 10 marks
Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India. Explain.