Inconsistent weather, erratic export policies, and unpredictable price swings have prompted Onion Farmers to unite and demand a Minimum Support Price (MSP). Bharat Dighole, President of the Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmer’s Organisation, stated that the sowing and harvesting cycles have gone haywire due to erratic weather. Export links are damaged due to erratic polices, and market rates fluctuate so wildly that both traders and farmers are now wary of growing or trading onions. The situation will intensify if the government doesn’t pay attention to the deepening onion crisis. Notably, the organisation appealed to the government to immediately announce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for onions to protect farmers from temporary markets and mounting losses.
Relentless Rainfall Intensifying The Crisis Of Onion Farmers
Nashik Onion farmers cite that around 80% of the kharif and late kharif onion crop has been destroyed due to relentless rainfall. The delayed monsoon has also slowed down the rabi in the various parts of Maharashtra, deepening the crisis of onion farmers.
Inclusion crops under MSP framework relies on various factors
As per the ministry of agriculture, the inclusion of crops under the MSP framework is based on various factors such as long shelf life, wide cultivation, mass consumption, and importance for food security. Not only this, but the ministry also clarified that the onion crop can be notified for insurance coverage against natural calamities by the concerned state govt. The onion cultivation in Maharashtra occurred in three seasons: Rabi, Kharif, and late Kharif. It is noteworthy that Kharif onion plays a significant role in sustaining the price stability during the lean months between Rabi and peak Kharif arrivals.
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