State Agriculture Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said that Maharashtra has continuously been pleading with several central ministries like Agriculture, Finance and Commerce and Industry as also Consumer Affairs for such a step.
"It is a step in the interest of farmers. It will enhance onion export which in turn will help in stabilising onion prices," he said.
The move is aimed at encouraging exports amid a crash in wholesale prices leading to protest by farmers in producing states.