Farmers' Fury: Onion Protest Hits Mumbai-Agra Highway

Farmers in Maharashtra, led by opposition leaders, protested against low onion procurement prices, blocking a major highway. They demand fair compensation and highlight government inaction. Police detained several protesters. The agitation underscores ongoing farmer dissatisfaction with agricultural policies and their call for a $3,000 minimum support price.

In a dramatic protest, onion farmers in Maharashtra, supported by opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders, took to the Mumbai-Agra National Highway, causing significant disruption on Tuesday.

Agitators, led by leaders such as NCP MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress's Harshwardhan Sapkal, highlighted their discontent with government procurement rates by demanding a higher price for their produce. Police intervened, detaining several protesters in Chandwad town, after they reportedly attempted to deflate vehicle tires on the highway.

The protest underscores the growing tension over agricultural policies, with farmers advocating for a minimum support price of Rs 3,000 for onions, alongside other demands such as subsidies and lifting export bans. Opposition leaders assert that unless these demands are met, their agitation will continue.