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.
Source: krishijagran.com