Maharashtra Govt's Strategic Moves to Boost Sugar and Onion Industries

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah discussed key measures to bolster the sugar cooperative sector and assist beleaguered onion farmers. Decisions on increased Minimum Support Price, ethanol quotas, and loan restructuring are expected. Initiatives aim to boost production, stabilization, and procurement by NAFED.

In a pivotal meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the pressing issues faced by the sugar cooperative industry and onion-producing farmers. The leaders discussed steps to enhance the Minimum Support Price (MSP), expand ethanol quotas, and overhaul loan restructuring policies.

The discussions were deemed fruitful, as highlighted by Fadnavis, with Shah promising a favorable decision on these fronts. A proposal to augment ethanol production is underway, which aims to tackle the challenges faced by sugar mill proprietors. The state also urged an increase in onion procurement from 2 lakh tonnes to 10 lakh tonnes, alongside better pricing strategies.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar underscored the meeting's significance in easing farmers' woes, especially amidst an export ban that has recently been lifted. Maharashtra's government is pushing to stabilize onion prices, ensuring procurement through NAFED and NCCF directly from farmers. The state also plans to implement a preliminary onion processing scheme to further aid farmers.