Onion farmers from Maharashtra seek audience with PM Modi to address crisis

The Maharashtra State Onion Farmers Association has made a formal request for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the ongoing onion crisis in Nashik. This plea, submitted to Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan and Nashik

Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, is currently awaiting the PM’s response for a potential delegation meeting with distressed onion farmers.

Amidst the recent uproar surrounding the onion export ban, concerns among onion farmers have intensified. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to Nashik on January 12 has prompted onion farmers in the district to appeal for a direct audience with him. While Mahajan and Karnik have received the farmers’ plea, a letter outlining their grievances will be presented to the Divisional Revenue Commissioner and Collector.

The primary issues revolve around sugarcane prices and the adverse impact of the export ban on onion prices. The content of the plea includes the onion farmers’ pressing concerns. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to stabilize consumer prices through measures like the export ban amid surging onion prices, the farmers emphasize their plight. They underline their status as predominantly dryland farmers heavily reliant on onions as their primary cash crop. However, the controlled pricing falls short of covering production costs, leading to severe financial strain on the farmers. The farmers seek a direct dialogue with the PM to convey their ongoing losses and appeal for permanent measures to alleviate their plight.

Expressing confidence in Modi’s ability to resolve intricate issues, the association president, Bharat Dighole, has submitted a humble plea. On behalf of the Maharashtra State Onion Farmers Association, Dighole earnestly requests a meeting with the PM on January 12 in Nashik. The objective is to secure time for a delegation representing the Maharashtra State Onion Farmers Association to engage in discussions aimed at finding a lasting solution to the persistent challenges faced by onion growers.