In the wake of steep hike in onion prices, the West Bengal government today started selling onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 50 per kg from 49 government outlets in the city and its outskirts.

"We had no other alternative, but to take this decision after a meeting with traders yesterday," state Agriculture Marketing minister Arup Roy told PTI.

As the traders were apprehensive that prices would remain high until fresh crop reached markets, the state government resorted to this strategy to give some relief to the people, he said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier directed traders to crack down on illegal hoarders and also asked the task force to visit markets to ensure people were not charged exorbitantly.

Roy said one would be able to buy 500 gram packets of onion at the cost of Rs 25 per day from government outlets and selling of onions at subsidised rate from them would continue till prices eased.