NCP chief Sharad Pawar has expressed strong criticism towards the central government’s handling of the onion issue, citing a pattern of imposing restrictions whenever farmers are poised to benefit from good returns. Speaking at a public event in Purandar, Pawar voiced his concerns about the impact of the government’s decisions on farmers and their agricultural produce.
Onion Woes:
Pawar highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by onion farmers due to the imposition of a 40% export duty by the central government. This duty has created a challenging environment for onion growers, causing them to raise their voices through protests. Pawar emphasized the importance of providing fair returns to farmers in line with the production cost of onions. The 40% export duty, according to him, is an unreasonable and unacceptable measure.
Call for Fair Returns:
The former Union agriculture minister urged the government to reconsider its stance on the export duty for onions. He advocated for the revocation of the 40% export duty, allowing farmers to attain reasonable returns for their efforts through exporting their produce. Pawar argued that the current rate of Rs2,410 per quintal, offered by the government, falls short in providing just compensation to farmers considering their production expenses.
Echoes of Past Issues:
Pawar extended his concerns to other crops as well, pointing out that similar problems arise due to the government’s policy decisions. Drawing parallels to the onion issue, he warned that the central government’s approach might impose restrictions on sugar exports, dampening the prospects for Indian sugar producers to capitalize on an opportunity in the global market. He emphasized that such restrictions, mirroring those imposed on onions, are detrimental to the interests of farmers.
Opportunities Lost:
Elaborating on the sugar sector, Pawar highlighted India’s significant position in sugar production, ranking second after Brazil. He underscored the potential for Indian sugar producers to benefit from the situation created by Brazil’s decreased sugar production due to drought. However, he expressed concerns that the central government might enact similar trade restrictions for sugar, thereby stifling the farmers’ chances to secure favorable returns.
Sharad Pawar’s critique of the central government’s approach to the onion issue sheds light on the challenges faced by farmers and their agricultural produce. His call for fair returns and his observation of a pattern of restricting exports when farmers are poised for good returns underscores his commitment to advocating for the welfare of farmers. As policy decisions continue to impact the agricultural landscape, the concerns voiced by figures like Pawar illuminate the complexities of ensuring a sustainable and equitable environment for farmers and their produce.
