Onion traders in Nashik district, Maharashtra, have initiated an indefinite strike in response to the government’s recent decision to increase export duties on onions by up to 40 percent, effective until December 31. This strike has led to concerns about potential shortages of this kitchen staple in retail markets and subsequent price hikes.
A representative from the Nashik District Onion Traders Association (NDOTA) expressed their grievances, stating, “In protest against the export duty hike decision, we have decided to shut down the auction of onions in all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in the district indefinitely. This move by the Centre not only hinders onion exports but also impacts onions in transit, resulting in significant losses for farmers.”
The District Sub-registrar, Co-operative Societies, responded by issuing an order on Wednesday night instructing all APMCs to suspend or revoke the licenses of striking traders and submit an Action Taken Report by September 21.
Maharashtra’s marketing minister, Abdul Sattar, expressed his reservations about the strike, stating that shutting down onion auctions was not an appropriate course of action. He added, “Secretaries in the departments of cooperation and marketing will discuss the action to be taken as per rules, and Nashik district collector will take the necessary action.” Notably, auctions of onions had previously remained closed at most APMCs in Nashik district, including at Lasalgaon, India’s largest wholesale onion market, on August 20. The striking traders have put forth several demands, including the cancellation of export duties on onions, a 50 percent reduction in market fees, participation by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) in auctions, and a 50 percent subsidy in onion transportation.
