Food inflation declined sharply to 13.75 percent for the week ended  16th October, on improved kharif supplies and fall in prices of certain vegetables, especially potatoes and onions.

Food inflation fell by 1.78 percentage points to 13.75 percent during the week, from 15.53 percent for the week ended on 9th October, government data showed.

This is the second consecutive week when food inflation has declined.

On annual basis, potato prices eased by 49.69 percent and onions became cheaper by 6.93 percent.

Overall, prices of vegetables went down marginally by 0.77 percent during the week on a year-on-year basis.

However, other essential items like cereals, milk and fruits continued to remain costly.

On annual basis, cereals prices have risen by 4.97 percent.

While pulses became costlier by 4.16 percent on a yearly basis, wheat and rice prices increased by 6.56 percent and 3.49 percent, respectively.

Among other food items, milk prices soared by 21.65 percent during the week compared to the same period last year, while fruit rates rose by 16.06 percent.

Egg, meat and fish became dearer by 28.12 percent on an annual basis.

After some moderation in July, food inflation remained high during August and September due to supply disruptions, caused by heavy monsoons.