Onion traders in the Nashik district of Maharashtra have initiated a protest by suspending auctions in all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs), sparking concerns about a potential shortage of this kitchen staple and an increase in retail prices. This protest comes in response to the Union government’s decision to raise export duties on onions by up to 40 percent, a measure set to remain in effect until December 31.
The Nashik District Onion Traders Association (NDOTA) announced their indefinite protest against the export duty hike. Their decision to halt onion auctions across APMCs in the district is motivated by the belief that this government decision will not only hinder onion exports but also impact onions in transit, resulting in substantial losses for farmers.
The traders’ demands include the cancellation of export duties on onions, a 50 percent reduction in market fees, the involvement of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) in auctions, and a 50 percent subsidy on onion transportation.
