New Delhi, July 31 -- The Union government has increased the onion procurement price for the sixth time this season as purchases for its buffer stock continue to fall short of the revised target, even as authorities extend procurement efforts to build adequate stocks for the lean supply season, people familiar with the matter said.

Under an office memorandum issued on July 29, the Department of Consumer Affairs raised the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) for onions in Maharashtra to Rs.2,335 per quintal ( Rs.23.35 per kg), effective July 30. The order also discontinues procurement of Grade-URS onions, making only Grade-A quality onions eligible for procurement from July 30.

Government agencies have procured around 105,000 tonnes...