Opposition seeks relief package for onion farmers

The Opposition on Monday demanded immediate announcement of relief package for the onion farmers by the state government.

The Opposition was particularly angry over the fact that despite the assurances of relief package in the first week of the budget session the government has made no announcement so far. No concrete assurance was given by the state government on the issue despite protests and the pleas of the MLAs from ruling coalition.

"The state is holding talks with the Centre and soon a package will be announced for the onion farmers," said Harshwardhan Patil, agriculture marketing minister.

The Opposition parties alleged that nearly 25 onion farmers have committed suicide as the prices crashed to Rs 70 per quintal.

They demanded that, "The state government should announce a compensation of Rs 300 per quintal to the farmers. It should purchase onions and farmers should be given transport subsidy. Railway wagons should be made available on priority basis to them and their loans should be restructured without any interest for a year."

The state cabinet is expected to meet on Monday evening to finalise the compensation package for the farmers which will be announced in the assembly onTuesday.