Wholesale onion trade in Maharashtra’s Nashik district is anticipated to resume from tomorrow, bringing relief to traders, farmers, and consumers alike. The decision comes after a series of discussions between directors of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) and representatives of traders and commission agents.
Balasaheb Kshirsagar, the chairman of Lasalgaon’s wholesale market in Niphad taluka, revealed that the traders have given assurances that they will recommence trade and auctions starting Thursday. This positive development follows a compromise reached during the discussions.
A key point of contention was the 40% export duty imposed on approximately 4,500 tonnes of onion awaiting shipment at ports and the Bangladesh border. The traders have voiced their demand for this export duty to be waived, a step they believe would facilitate the movement of onion consignments and stabilize the market.
During the meetings, officials assured the traders that their demand for waiving the export duty would be escalated to higher authorities. It was also emphasized that restarting trade was crucial to help farmers sell their stored onion produce, thus supporting their livelihoods.
The Nashik deputy registrar had issued notices to all APMCs in the district earlier, urging them to take immediate steps to reopen onion trade. The strike by traders had prompted intervention from the National Cooperative Agricultural Marketing Federation (NAFED), which initiated procurement activities to mitigate the impact of the trade halt. Around 13 procurement centers were established by NAFED to facilitate this process.
The recent imposition of a 40% export duty by the central government was aimed at curbing the escalation of onion prices in response to lower-than-expected acreage and damage caused by unseasonal weather. However, both farmers and traders have expressed concerns that this duty could adversely affect onion prices and market dynamics, especially considering that a significant portion of the harvest had been lost due to quality issues.
Sunil Sonawane, an onion grower from Manjargaon village in Niphad taluka, welcomed the decision to resume trade. He highlighted that the central government’s announcement to procure around 2 lakh tonnes of onion at a fixed rate is also beneficial for farmers. This procurement initiative is expected to provide much-needed stability to onion prices and provide relief to the agricultural community.
