Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the increasing prices of daily-use goods in the state.

He said prices of onions, tomatoes, lentils, and other items of daily consumption have registered a steep hike, causing problems for middle class and poor section of society.

Baghel through letter pointed out in Chhattisgarh, retail price of onion was Rs 20 per kg, which has increased to Rs 75 per kg at present. State Government in coordination with district administration and wholesale traders of onions have established seven retail centres in Raipur city, where currently onions are being sold at Rs 70 per kg.

The requirement of the state is 30,000 tons in a month. State is continuously monitoring the situation including wholesale and retail market price of 22 essentials goods.

The CM suggested opening of retail counter through NAFED in major cities of the state, ensure buffer stock of onion and providing subsidy to onion-producing farmers.

Additional to it, Central Government should develop necessary facilities in the states producing onions for scientific storage of the stock to stem rotting.

Every year, Central Government should maintain 5 lakh tons of buffer stock by procuring onions, and then supply it to the various states of the country during the low production months such as monsoon till the next yield arrives in the market.

He requested Central Government to provide rebates to entrepreneurs for setting up    processing units in the state to provide proper value of their yield to farmers producing tomatoes.