The decision by the federal government to eliminate the 40% export duty on the 'rose' onion variety from Karnataka has led to dissatisfaction among onion farmers in Maharashtra. These farmers are now demanding the removal of the export duty on onions from Maharashtra as well, and are calling for the lifting of the minimum export price (MEP) on onions.
In a demonstration of their discontent, onion farmers and activists of Shiv Sena (UBT) disrupted the onion auction at a private market in Lasalgaon, Nashik district. Bharat Dighole, president of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers' Association, criticized the government's state-specific exemption, advocating for a uniform removal of the export duty on onions. He noted the ample onion production this year and warned of negative impacts on farmers if restrictions persisted. Nivrutti Nyaharkar, an onion farmer, spoke of significant financial losses due to various government-imposed restrictions, highlighting the inability to cover production costs because of the export ban in recent months.
Additionally, Maharashtra cabinet minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed concerns over the unfair treatment of Maharashtra's onion farmers and plans to discuss the issue with the state's leadership for advocating the removal of export duty on onions in a comprehensive manner.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com