MUMBAI: The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced on Tuesday that the Central Government has made the decision to acquire 200,000 metric tonnes of onions at a rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal. He expressed optimism that this move would provide relief to onion producers, a vital commodity for kitchens across the state.

This announcement coincides with ongoing protests by farmers and traders who are opposing the Centre's implementation of a 40 percent export duty on onions. This measure aims to control the rise in prices and enhance the availability of onions in the local market. The export duty, enforced through a notification by the Finance Ministry on August 19, is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2023.

While currently in Japan for a visit, Fadnavis posted on X, "I have communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal concerning the onion situation. The central government will procure 200,000 metric tonnes of onions at the rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal." He further stated, "Dedicated procurement centers will be established in the Nashik and Ahmednagar districts for this purpose. This initiative is intended to alleviate the challenges faced by onion cultivators in the state."

Yesterday, traders made the decision to indefinitely suspend onion auctions in all Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in Nashik, including the prominent Lasalgaon market, which is India's largest wholesale onion market. Nashik district also witnessed protests from numerous farmers and traders on Monday, as they demanded the reversal of the export duty decision.

Tomatoes to be Sold at Rs. 70-per-kg Affordable Price: Finance Minister