Farmers Protest in Maharashtra Over 40% Onion Export Duty

Farmers protest in Maharashtra against 40% export duty on onions, fearing losses and lower domestic prices. Nashik demonstrations gain support from farmer groups, demanding reversal.

Muskan Jha August 22, 2023

496 1 minute read

onions to be made available at rs 25 as buffer stock burgeons (1)

Farmers Protest in Maharashtra Rally Against 40% Onion Export Duty, Demanding Relief from Heavy Losses and Lower Prices

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1 Farmers Protest in Maharashtra Rally Against 40% Onion Export Duty, Demanding Relief from Heavy Losses and Lower Prices

1.1 Minister Seeks Dialogue:

1.2 Onion Export Tariff to Stabilize Prices:

Maharashtra: Nashik farmers protest in Maharashtra have staged protests against the Indian government’s decision to raise export duty on onions to 40%. They argue that this move would lead to losses for them due to heavy export duties and lower prices in the domestic market. As a response, they have shut down auctions in all market committees in Nashik, with support from farmer groups like the Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha (ABKS) and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana. The latter has blocked the Shirdi-Surat Highway demanding a reversal of the government’s decision.

40% Export Duty on Onions: Centre Asks Farmers Not to Worry About Export Curbs as Govt Restarts Procurement at Rs 2,410 Per Quintal for Buffer Stock #ExportDuty #OnionPrices #FarmersProtest https://t.co/qoKDjDlEX3
— LatestLY (@latestly) August 22, 2023

Minister Seeks Dialogue:

State agriculture minister Dhananjay Munde expressed his intentions to meet Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal and Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar to discuss the issue. He acknowledged the injustice the decision posed to farmers. Chhagan Bhujbal, state food and civil supplies minister emphasized the need for the central government to purchase onions to control market prices.

Onion Export Tariff to Stabilize Prices:

The Union government’s imposition of a 40% tariff on onion exports until December 31 aims to curb overseas sales and prevent a price surge during the festive season. Officials assert that this measure aims to prevent a price rise similar to what occurred with tomatoes. Union minister of State for health and family welfare, Bharati Pawar, clarified that the move is not a ban on exports but rather a duty to stabilize prices. She intends to communicate farmers’ sentiments to Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal.

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