Bhubaneswar, May 24: The state government today appointed a three-member team of officials to make on-spot visits to Balangir and Kalahandi districts to inquire into the alleged distress sale of onions by farmers.

The team consists of one member each from the horticulture department, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India and the food supplies and consumer welfare department. The team will verify claims of distress sale in various parts of the state. The team had been directed to submit its report by May 27. Food minister Surya Narayan Patro said the retail price of onion in the state's markets was Rs 14 per kg. BJP has alleged that farmers were forced into distress sale because of lack of storage facilities and they were forced to sell onions at Rs 5 to Rs 8 per kg in Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Deogarh.