The Indian government has announced a 24.4% increase in the procurement price for onions under its buffer stock programme, raising it from ₹12.70 per kg to ₹15.80 per kg. This decision, communicated by Anupam Mishra, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs, is aimed at supporting farmers in light of market dynamics. The procurement season began on May 15, with the revised price effective from May 22. The government has set a target of procuring 2 lakh tonnes of onions for the current year, a reduction from the 3 lakh tonnes target from the previous year. Additionally, pulse buffer stocks have surged to an unprecedented 43 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than the 18 lakh tonnes recorded in May 2025. The government has also reported a substantial decline in pulse imports, with a nearly 30% drop to 60 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, and chana imports plummeting by 51%. This briefing comes amid concerns regarding food and fertilizer security influenced by recent geopolitical developments in West Asia.