Market auctions for onions in Maharashtra have been suspended for over a week, causing significant financial strain on local farmers. In an effort to mitigate the impact, farmer organizations have initiated onion sale centers in Baglan administrative district and areas surrounding the Lasalgaon market. These centers are designed to provide an alternative platform for farmers to sell their produce amidst the closures.
On the first day of operation, the Baglan taluka centre attracted approximately 150 vehicles, carrying around 4,500 quintals of onions, with prices per 100 kgs ranging from ₹1000 to ₹1400. Similarly, the center near the Lasalgaon Market Committee saw participation from 200 vehicles, with onion prices averaging between ₹1000 to ₹1500 per kgs. Arjun Borade, representing the Farmers Association, highlighted the critical need for these centers, stating: "With market committees closed, farmers had no outlet to auction their produce," thereby underscoring the urgency of selling onions during the ongoing harvest and escalating expenses.
[ ₹100 = 1.10 ]
Source: mypunepulse.com