Centre lifts onion ban, farmers relieved

With the central government lifting the ban on onion exports, the farmers have heaved a sigh of relief.

“Though late, the decision is welcome. The Central government should not have imposed the ban in the first place. But better late then never. We expect that the prices will remain steady, however, the loss of the damaged crop over the last 11 days cannot be recovered”, said Vijay Jadhav, a farmer from Chandwad.

The farmers had reacted very strongly to the government ban. They had refused to sell their produce and were backed by the traders, the Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs), labourers and market workers. In the last 12 days, there were no onion transactions in the district.

Severe agitations, supported by all political parties, were launched. Even MP Sameer Bhujbal made efforts to convince the Central ministers to revoke the ban which was detrimental to the farmers’ interests.

Maharashtra minister of agriculture, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had also sided with the farmers’ point of view and had made efforts to resolve the issue. Finally the Group of Ministers, on Tuesday revoked its decision, lifting the ban on export of onion.

“This is a welcome decision. The farmer will now be relieved. The farmers, traders and APMCs stood united and the lifting of the ban is the result of their unity. The markets shall resume auction from Wednesday”, said Jaydutta Holkar, chairman, Lasalgaon APMC.

There still some stocks of onions stored with the traders and the farmers which will be brought to the market. In next 15 days, fresh onion stocks will also be harvested and brought to the markets for sale. However, the farmers expect that the prices will remain stable and transactions will be smooth.