Maharashtra Launches Innovative Onion Banks to Aid Farmers

The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is set to start onion banks in key locations to help farmers store onions using solar energy. This initiative aims to allow farmers to wait for better market prices, starting in Rahuri and expanding to other major onion-producing areas.

The Maharashtra government will soon launch onion banks in multiple locations to provide support to farmers cultivating onions, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday.

During a review meeting, the CM revealed that solar energy will be utilized for storing onions, enabling farmers to hold off on selling their produce until market conditions improve.

The initiative will begin in Rahuri, Ahmednagar, with additional facilities planned for Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur, among other high-production areas. The project will be executed through Hindustan Agro, utilizing premises from state entities such as MIDC and MSRTC.

Shinde has also tasked officials with developing a comprehensive value chain for these onion banks to further benefit farmers.