Onion Farmers Rally Against Plummeting Prices in Maharashtra

Onion farmers in Maharashtra's Nashik district protested by climbing atop a water tank at an agriculture market, demanding the removal of the minimum export price amid dropping onion prices. The protest involved 15 cultivators at the Asia's largest wholesale onion market, Lasalgaon. The protest ended after assurances from state officials.

On Monday, onion farmers in Nashik district staged a dramatic protest by climbing onto a water tank at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Lasalgaon, demanding the removal of the minimum export price (MEP) on onions amid a sharp decline in prices.

The protest, involving around 15 farmers, highlighted the drop in average prices for both red and summer crop onions by Rs 300-500. Recent auction prices stood significantly lower than the previous week's. This decrease triggered the farmers' action.

Following a promise from state Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate that the issue would be addressed in the ongoing budget session, the protest was called off. Police were present to ensure order during the protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)