Maharashtra's onion farmers are calling on the Indian government to provide a ₹10,000 crore revival package and establish a stable export policy. The farmers, represented by Bharat Dighole, founder-president of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers Farmers Association, argue that repeated export restrictions and natural disasters have severely impacted their livelihoods.
Export Policy Challenges
The farmers have faced significant challenges due to the Indian government's export bans in 2019, 2020, and 2023-24. Additionally, the imposition of a 40% export duty and the setting of minimum export prices at $850 and $550 per tonne at various times have compounded their difficulties.
"Policies that harm onion growers in the name of consumer welfare must stop," said Bharat Dighole.
Financial Losses and Natural Calamities
Farmers have also been affected by natural calamities such as excessive rainfall, hailstorms, and droughts. The release of buffer onion stock by NAFED and NCCF at lower rates in the domestic market has further depressed prices.
| Year | Export Ban | Export Duty | Minimum Export Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Yes | 40% | $850/tonne |
| 2020 | Yes | 40% | $550/tonne |
| 2023-24 | Yes | 40% | $550/tonne |
Proposed Solutions
The association has proposed several measures to alleviate the crisis:
- Direct financial assistance to farmers' bank accounts.
- Subsidy schemes for certified onion seeds.
- 100% subsidy for storage sheds and warehouses.
- Establishment of an onion export promotion fund.
- Creation of a National Onion Stabilisation Fund.
Regional Impact
Onion cultivation is a significant activity in about 30 districts of Maharashtra, involving approximately 10 to 15 lakh farmer families. The association has also called for support in setting up onion processing industries in major districts like Nashik, Pune, and Solapur.
The farmers' demands highlight the need for a comprehensive and stable policy framework to support one of India's essential agricultural sectors.
