Bhujbal appeals to PM for withdrawal of ban on onion export

Maharashtra public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday sought the intervention of the Prime Minister with an appeal to urgently withdraw the ban on onion exports. Bhujbal, who is also the guardian minister of Nashik district, is the onion growing centre in the state, said the growers were hit badly as rates had already fallen drastically because of the high production in the district. The ban on export has further increased farmers’ problems.

Bhujbal, who met principal secretary to the PM, T K A Nair, said the reduction in the prices of onion can led to farmers’ agitation. He further said Maharashtra produces 60-70 per cent of the total production and Nashik district alone contributes 60 per cent of the state.

He informed that since the announcement of the ban on export of onion by the Centre, the procurement prices had come down to up to Rs 500 a quintal from Rs 900 a quintal.

He added that the fall was a matter of great concern.

Meanwhile, farmers and representatives of almost all political parties resorted to rasta roko in Nashik district to protest against the ban on exports.