Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde announces ex-gratia of ₹ 300/quintal for onion farmers

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For the past few days, the plummeting prices of onion in wholesale markets across the state has been a cause of concern. Quintals of onions fetched lower prices which has resulted in farmers’ outcry and it has also rocked the on-going Maharashtra’s budget session in Legislative Council and Assembly.

For the past few days, the plummeting prices of onion in wholesale markets across the state has been a cause of concern. Quintals of onions fetched lower prices which has resulted in farmers’ outcry and it has also rocked the on-going Maharashtra’s budget session in Legislative Council and Assembly.

The CM said that this decision will bring great relief to the onion-producing farmers.

In his statement, CM Shinde explained that arrival of red onion in the Kharif season is on a large scale and that due to increase in onion production in other states, the demand is lower than supply. This has caused the price of onion to plummet.

He further said that since onion is perishable crop, minimum support price cannot be applied to it. He added that onion is important cash crop in Maharashtra and its price is a very sensitive part for onion-producing farmers.

“Onion production in the country, its domestic demand and exports from the country, etc. all affect the price of onion in the market. A committee was appointed by the state government to provide relief to the productive farmers. The committee had recommended Rs.200 and Rs.300 per quintal. But the Chief Minister informed that this government will stand by the side of the onion producing farmers and has decided to give Rs 300 per quintal as concessional subsidy to them,” CM Shinde said.