In Nashik district, onion auctions have recommenced in 5 out of 15 Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), specifically in Lasalgaon, Vinchur, Niphad, Nampur, and Nashik, thanks to the involvement of new traders. Lasalgaon APMC witnessed the participation of approximately 30 new onion traders, resulting in the auction of nearly 480 tons of onions, with the average wholesale price reaching Rs 1,350 per 100 kg. Concurrently, members of the Nashik District Onion Traders Association (NDOTA) have engaged in onion auctions at private markets across 10–12 locations within the district, auctioning around 5,000 tons of onions daily at an average price of Rs 1,400 per 100 kg.
However, since April 4, auctions at the remaining APMCs have been on hold due to a decision by traders to not deduct weighing and labor charges from farmers, which has led to a dispute with the Nashik District Mathadi Workers Union (NDMWU) over the payment of a 34% levy on these charges. Despite these challenges, onion traders have expressed their willingness to partake in APMC auctions without deducting these charges from farmers. Pimpalgaon APMC, a major onion market, has directed its traders to resume auctions from April 22 under the same conditions, with the understanding that they will comply with the state government's directives post the code of conduct period.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com