To ensure that traders do not exploit the seasonal demand, special inspection teams under District Collectors will carry out intensified checks across Kerala…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Kerala has announced a major market intervention plan ahead of Onam 2026, aiming to control price rises and ensure the availability of essential commodities during the state’s biggest harvest festival.
The initiative, led by the Kerala government, will include special Onam trade fairs, subsidised vegetable sales, increased food grain distribution and strict monitoring to prevent hoarding and black marketing during the festive rush.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob announced that Supplyco’s annual Onam Trade Fairs will begin on August 8, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan scheduled to inaugurate the state-level fair in Ernakulam.
As part of the festive market programme, three mega trade fairs will be organised in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. District-level fairs will also be held across the remaining 11 districts from August 16 to August 25.
In addition, Onam Markets will be opened in all 126 Assembly constituencies, with special fairs planned during the final six days leading up to Thiruvonam, the main celebration day of the festival.
Subsidised Food Supplies for Onam Celebrations
The government said Horticorp outlets will operate alongside the trade fairs, providing vegetables at subsidised prices to help families manage increased festive expenses.
To meet the expected rise in demand, Kerala plans to distribute over 1.29 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 24,500 metric tonnes of wheat through various supply channels during the Onam season.
Blue ration card holders will receive an additional three kilograms of rice and two kilograms of wheat, while other ration card categories, including NPS and NPNS beneficiaries, will also receive wheat supplies.
Ration card holders will also have the option to purchase their September quota of subsidised commodities in advance during August, allowing families to prepare for the celebrations without facing last-minute shortages.
Free Onam Kits for AAY Families
The government will begin distributing its popular free Onam kits containing 16 essential food items during the first week of August.
The scheme will benefit families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), along with inmates of welfare institutions. Around Rs 53 crore has been allocated for the distribution programme.
The Onam kit initiative is part of Kerala’s broader effort to provide support to vulnerable households during the festive season, when demand for essential goods traditionally increases.
Crackdown on Hoarding and Price Manipulation
To ensure that traders do not exploit the seasonal demand, special inspection teams under District Collectors will carry out intensified checks across Kerala.
The Price Monitoring Cell will closely track retail prices and take action against unfair practices, including hoarding and black marketing.
The government has already sanctioned Rs 448.05 crore over the past two months for Onam-related welfare measures, including free kit distribution, market intervention activities and paddy procurement.
Kerala Prepares for Grand Onam Celebrations
Onam, Kerala’s most important cultural festival, is celebrated with traditional feasts, cultural programmes and family gatherings. However, rising prices of food items often become a concern for households during the festive period.
Through its price control measures and expanded supply network, the Kerala government aims to ensure that families can celebrate Onam without facing excessive financial pressure.
The week-long festivities will culminate in the last week of August, with Thiruvonam marking the grand finale of celebrations across the state.
