Onion Growers Pass Eight Resolutions at Lasalgaon
Onion farmers gathered at the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee on Saturday, August 22, for a conference that saw the unanimous passage of eight resolutions addressing their key demands. The meeting, held at 10 a.m., was marked by strong resentment over government procurement policies and frequent changes in the Centre's import-export rules, which growers say have caused them repeated losses.
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana Nashik district president Nivrutti Gare proposed the eight resolutions, which farmers approved by raising their hands. Among the central demands was the implementation of a price-difference scheme guaranteeing farmers ₹2,000 per quintal for onions, as reported by both Free Press Journal and Lokmat Times.
Key Demands: Price Support and Halt to Procurement
The resolutions called for an immediate halt to onion procurement by NAFED and NCCF, with farmers insisting that government-purchased onions should not be exported. Instead, they demanded that such stocks be systematically released in the domestic market through proper planning to prevent price disruption and ensure fair returns for growers, according to Lokmat Times.
The conference also demanded a stable and long-term export policy that considers domestic production, consumption, and available export surplus. Farmers urged that exports remain permanently open while imports are stopped, and that the government restore the earlier 10% subsidy on onion exports. Additional demands included announcing auction prices per kilogram rather than per quintal, imposing no stock limits on traders, and permanently discontinuing NAFED and NCCF procurement, with farmers urged to refrain from selling to these agencies.
Resentment Over Government Policies
Growers accused the government of causing losses through its procurement and marketing policies, expressing strong resentment over NAFED purchases. Free Press Journal reported that farmers linked frequent changes in the Centre's import-export policy to direct effects on onion prices, creating uncertainty for growers. The meeting was held against the backdrop of farmers' continued opposition to restrictions on onion exports, including export bans, duties, and other measures aimed at controlling prices.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
The conference warned that if the government fails to act on the eight resolutions, farmers will intensify their agitation. Lokmat Times reported that growers threatened to launch a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the Central Government if their demands remain unaddressed. Attendees also warned that elected representatives could face village-level protests and a possible 'village ban', with a specific warning that representatives would not be allowed to travel from village to village unless immediate action is taken on the demands.
Attendees and Context
The conference drew a range of attendees, including onion expert and Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee director Jaydatta Holkar, former district president Arjun Borade, Lasalgaon market committee vice-chairman Lalit Darekar, trader-director Pravin Kadam, and other farmer leaders. Free Press Journal noted that Holkar recalled a similar situation in 2017 when farmers met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain the difficulties faced by onion growers. Kadam, referring to farmer activist Abhijit Dipke's agitation at Jantar Mantar, said the issue needs a powerful and sustained movement, noting that Dipke's protest brought the matter to attention across Maharashtra, the country, and internationally.
Looking Ahead
As the conference concluded, the eight resolutions were formally passed, setting the stage for potential escalation. Farmers have made clear their willingness to take their demands to the national capital, with the threat of a Jantar Mantar protest looming if the Centre does not respond. The coming weeks will reveal whether the government addresses the growers' concerns or faces a renewed wave of agitation.