Maharashtra Farmers Threatens to Stop Onion Supplies from August 16 Demanding Better Prices

Farmers in Maharashtra, led by the State Onion Growers' Association, have threatened to stop bringing onions to the agricultural produce marketing committee (APMC) yards on August 16 unless they receive an average price of Rs 25 per kg.

Bharat Dighole, President of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers' Association, said in a statement on Monday: "For the past 7-8 months, onion growers have received a meagre payment for their produce and have suffered huge losses." The Union and state governments have largely ignored the plight of onion farmers. Instead, they've taken steps to reduce onion prices."

Growers claim that the Centre's policy of controlling onion prices by prohibiting exports, importing onions, raiding onion traders, and limiting storage has harmed farmers.

"Right now, farmers are selling at rock-bottom prices, unable to even recoup their production costs." MLAs, MPs, and Ministers have taken no concrete actions to assist farmers. As a result, farmers are agitated. From August 16, farmers must receive an average of Rs 25 per kg at APMC auctions, or Maharashtra onion farmers will stop selling their produce at APMC auctions indefinitely," Dighole said.

Growers claim that various farmer organizations have been agitating for months as onion prices have fallen, but their demands have not even been acknowledged.

Farmers claimed that the NAFED purchased 2.5 lakh tonnes of onion at a price of Rs 10-12 per kg. The cost of production is Rs 20-22 per kg, and farmers are now selling for Rs 8-10 per kg.

Farmers claim that a large amount of produce stored in chawls in April and May has rotten due to weather conditions, and they are unable to take their produce to market due to the low rate.

"Because Maharashtra is the largest producer of onions, the government will face pressure if farmers stop bringing them to market." "We don't have any other choice but to bring the government's attention to our problem," Dighole explained.