ATM News Network: In a press conference held in Nashik, NCP President Sharad Pawar addressed the escalating issue of onion export duty, stressing the dire situation faced by farmers. Pawar called upon the central government to immediately withdraw the export duty, citing its detrimental impact on the agricultural community.
The crisis has unfolded due to a 40 percent export duty imposed on onions, which has had far-reaching consequences for onion producers and traders alike. The situation has pushed onion traders to the brink, resulting in financial instability for farmers.
Pawar highlighted the urgency of the matter and appealed to Piyush Goyal, Union Commerce Minister, to address the onion issue promptly. Goyal was set to convene a crucial meeting on this subject later that evening.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who has been actively involved in seeking solutions, expressed his optimism that the central government would consider the interests of onion producers, traders, and consumers. Ajit Pawar, who chaired a meeting with key stakeholders, including Nashik Collector, NAFED officials, and representatives of the Traders Association, emphasized the need for a positive resolution to the crisis. He also called Minister Piyush Goyal during the meeting, briefing him on the discussions and urging swift action.
The central government had previously announced the purchase of 2 lakh metric tonnes of onions through NAFED and NCCF at a rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal to support farmers facing the impact of the export duty. However, this initiative witnessed limited success, leaving farmers in distress. Onion traders in Nashik had resorted to a strike, further exacerbating the situation.
Ajit Pawar appealed to onion traders to resume purchasing onions at Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets promptly to alleviate the farmers' plight.
Furthermore, Abdul Sattar, Maharashtra's Marketing Minister, expressed the government's determination to address the crisis. Sattar announced plans to introduce regulations to curb traders' strikes, safeguarding the interests of farmers. He emphasized that the government would purchase onions through the Marketing Federation, ensuring a continuous supply to the market even in the event of trader strikes.
Sattar's announcement regarding onion subsidy garnered attention. He revealed that the subsidy, previously set at Rs 350 per quintal, would be increased to Rs 360 per quintal. The government has allocated Rs 460 crore for this purpose, with disbursements scheduled before March 31.
The ongoing strike by onion traders, now in its seventh day, has paralyzed onion auctions and disrupted the market. The traders are advocating for various demands, including the reduction of export duty on onions.
In response to the strike, Sattar argued that curbing traders' actions was essential to protect farmers from losses and maintain market stability. He also urged the central government to halt the release of NAFED and NCCF onions into the market, emphasizing that it was the government's prerogative to decide when and which onions to release.
The situation has sparked political discussions, with stakeholders seeking a resolution to safeguard the interests of onion producers, traders, and consumers. As the cabinet convened in Mumbai to discuss the issue, the impact of Sattar's announcement and the decisions reached in the cabinet meeting remain eagerly awaited.
The crisis highlights the delicate balance between market regulations, agricultural policy, and the welfare of farmers in India, underscoring the need for swift and effective measures to alleviate the burden on the agricultural community.