In response to plummeting onion prices, growers at Lasalgaon APMC, Maharashtra, India's premier wholesale onion market, momentarily ceased auctions. The protest was ignited by demands for the elimination of a 20% export duty and financial assistance ranging from INR 1,000 to 1,200 (approximately USD 12.23 to 14.68) per quintal. Onion prices have seen a decline recently, prompting this reaction as auctions began with prices announced between INR 1,200 to 1,500 (USD 14.68 to 18.35) per quintal, leading to dissatisfaction among farmers.
The situation saw a brief improvement in prices, resulting in the resumption of auctions after a 30-minute halt. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, has called on the central government to revoke the export duty to alleviate the farmers' plight, emphasizing the impact of unseasonal rains and climate changes on their earnings. The current export duty undermines the competitiveness of Maharashtra's onions in international markets. With the recent arrivals of 1,950 vehicles at the Lasalgaon APMC and prices fluctuating, the situation underscores the challenges faced by onion growers in obtaining fair compensation for their produce.
Source: ZEE Business