Maharashtra today hailed the Centre's decision to steeply cut the minimum export price of onion to USD 350 a tonne from USD 800 per tonne, saying it will help farmers.
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.
