Mumbai: The price of summer onions in the state experienced a significant decline in 2023. Subsequently, it was declared that a subsidy of Rs 350 per quintal would be given to farmers, capped at 200 quintals. Certain applications within this framework were awaiting resolution. A total of Rs 28 crore 32 lakh 30 thousand 507 has been sanctioned for 14,661 farmers of this kind.
The state government declared a subsidy of Rs 350 per quintal for onions sold to Agricultural Produce Market Committees, private markets, and NAFED from February 1 until March 31, 2023. This subsidy has been provided up to a maximum of 200 quintals.
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During that period, certain farmers were not eligible because they did not have onion crop records for seven to twelve passes when receiving the subsidy. Their suggestions were examined again. Consequently, a budget of Rs 28 crore 32 lakh 30 thousand 507 has been sanctioned for onion support to 14,661 farmers, according to report by Loksatta.
In this subsidy program, 14,661 farmers will receive assistance, comprising 9988 in Nashik, 272 in Dharashiv, 277 in Pune, 22 in Sangli, 2002 in Satara, 43 in Dhule, 387 in Jalgaon, 1407 in Ahilyanagar, 2 in Nagpur, and 261 in Raigad. Farmers in Nashik district have the largest quantity and will receive a subsidy of Rs 18 crore 58 lakh 78 thousand 493. This fund received approval via a supplementary request during the monsoon session.
In July, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule met with Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Piyush Goyal to address issues faced by onion growers, following a hunger strike by BJP leader Bachchu Kadu. A high-level meeting was organised to find solutions, focusing on protecting farmers and improving market access. Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal supported direct procurement, while Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate called for transparency through Market Committees. Kadu demanded a minimum price of ₹24/kg for onions.
Maharashtra is the largest producer of onions. Karnataka and Gujarat come next. Maharashtra accounts for 35 per cent of the nation's total onion production. Madhya Pradesh generates 17 per cent. Next in line are Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Telangana.
