CM Fadnavis promises immediate relief to farmers amid falling onion prices

Nashik: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday assured that state govt would extend financial assistance to onion farmers suffering major losses due to a steep decline in wholesale prices. He said a review meeting would soon be convened to assess the situation and decide on appropriate measures."Every year, onion farmers face several challenges due to fluctuations in the global market. Since Mahayuti govt came to power, it has consistently supported farmers during crises and extended financial relief. This time as well, govt will stand firmly with farmers and take necessary steps to ensure timely support," the CM said during his visit to Nashik city.Cabinet ministers Girish Mahajan, Chhagan Bhujbal and Dada Bhuse also submitted letters to the chief minister, urging him to call an urgent meeting to address the persistent drop in onion prices that has severely affected farmers in Nashik district.Earlier, the three ministers had appealed to the CM to hold an immediate meeting and consider measures, such as granting Rs 500 per quintal to farmers who sold their produce at lower rates in APMCs.In 2023, state govt had provided financial assistance of Rs 350 per quintal following a sharp crash in wholesale prices. With the current situation being even more severe, the ministers have requested a relief of Rs 500 per quintal for farmers who sold onions at reduced prices and suffered substantial losses.Meanwhile, some farmers protested against the falling prices by climbing a water tank in Lasalgaon, demanding a minimum support price of Rs 3,000 per quintal and a grant of Rs 1,500 per quintal for those who sold their produce at low rates in the past six months. Farmers said the cost of cultivating onions was around Rs 1,800 per quintal, and selling below this cost results in heavy losses.