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Both ruling and opposition parties in Assembly poll-bound Maharashtra have indicated that falling onion prices and their adverse impact, especially on onion farmers, would be prominently flagged-off during poll campaigning.
Both sides have pressed for a ban on imports and the provision of export subsidy.
Further, the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has squarely blamed the Modi government for the current scenario and for causing hardships to onion growers, while the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), which is a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state, has threatened serious political implications during the Assembly election if the Centre fails to immediately act.
On Tuesday, NCP leader and state public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal led a blistering attack against the Modi government for its decision to import onions and later dump it in Lasalgaon (in Nashik district) which is the largest onion market in Asia. The average wholesale price was recorded at Rs 1,400 a quintal on September 6 against Rs 1,575 on September 1.
“The Modi government’s decision to import led to a crash in onion prices impacting farmers badly. The imported onions were wet and efforts are underway to dry them. This has caused a further additional financial burden. The government will have to allow exports and provide export subsidy,” he noted. Bhujbal declared that NCP would be pro-active in raising the issue before the Centre in the run-up to the polls.
Further, SSS chief and MP Raju Shetti, who is supporting the Modi government at the Centre, has started an agitation in support of onion farmers. He strongly criticised the Modi government for the import of onions which led to a steep fall in prices. “The cost of landing onions from Egypt is Rs 35-40 a kg and it is being subsidised. On the other hand, the local onions are being sold at Rs 10-12 a kg. Farmers are facing the brunt. Even though SSS is a part of the Maha Yuti in Maharashtra, the party will support the cause of farmers. If this issue is not addressed in a time-bound manner, it may adversely impact poll prospects of Maha Yuti,” Shetti warned.
Shetti has sought the meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh with a plea to immediately take remedial measures.
