A new export pathway has emerged for onion growers in Maharashtra, facilitating direct shipments to Middle Eastern markets without intermediaries. According to Maha-FPC, the apex body of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Maharashtra, 2,000 tons of onions will be exported to the Gulf region this season through this direct model.
On Thursday, Nashik farmers dispatched their inaugural shipment of 30 tons of onions to the Middle East. Yogesh Thorat, Managing Director of Maha-FPC, stated, "Ten FPCs from Nashik, Dharashiv, Ahilyagarh, and Pune are participating in this export. It's the first time we're exporting directly." Eknath Sanap, a farmer from Naigaon village, remarked, "We receive better prices in export markets. This is a huge opportunity for us."
To adhere to export standards, onions must be sized between 55 mm and 60 mm. Sanap explained, "Proper quality and grading facilities are essential for export. This will benefit us in the long run." Maha-FPC has initiated training programs to enhance farmers' skills in packaging, sorting, and grading.
Maha-FPC aims to enable value addition at the farmer level, allowing FPCs to function as direct exporters. Thorat noted, "Fewer middlemen mean higher profits for farmers." Storage facilities with a capacity of 19,000 tons have been established, with plans to develop FPCs into export hubs.
The export initiative extends beyond onions, with plans to export 2,500 dozen Devgad mangoes to the Middle East this season. Thorat confirmed future expansions to other fruits and vegetables.
Source: Krishak Jagat
