Pune: The Central Government's recent decision to import onions from Afghanistan is set to inflict significant losses on onion farmers, who were already struggling due to past export restrictions.
With onion prices finally starting to rise, this move is likely to disrupt the market, causing fresh grievances among the farming community.
Previously, the government had imposed an export ban and increased the export duty on onions, resulting in almost an unofficial embargo that lasted for about one and a half years.
During this period, onion farmers suffered substantial financial losses, as market rates plummeted. The resulting anger among farmers played a crucial role in impacting the BJP-led government in Maharashtra during the last Lok Sabha elections.
Recently, farmers’ hopes were reignited when the government lifted the export duty on onions, leading to improved market prices. However, the government's latest decision to import onions from Afghanistan is likely to crash prices again, favoring consumers at the expense of farmers. Farmers are concerned that the increased supply will cause market rates to nosedive, leading to further financial strain.
Shyam Taware, an onion trader from Nirgudsar, explained the current market dynamics: “There was high demand for Maharashtra-grown onions in Punjab, and prices were good. But now, with Afghan onions entering the market, especially in Punjab, prices have dropped by ₹5 per kg in just one day.
This is expected to worsen in the coming days, especially with red onions from Karnataka also entering the market, adding to the supply and pushing prices down further.”
Farmers are expressing deep frustration and anger over the government's handling of the onion market.
Balasaheb Taware, an onion farmer from Belsarwadi-Nirgudsar, said, “I have been cultivating onions for years and have stored around 200 bags of onions for the last six to seven months, hoping for better prices.
But the government’s decision has caused prices to drop ₹5 per kg in just one day, and further declines are expected. The Central Government is to blame for these continuous setbacks.”
