Onion farmers seek 10,000 crore revival package, stable export policy from Centre

Onion farmers seek 10,000 crore revival package, stable export policy from Centre

**Onion Sector Appeals for ₹10,000 Crore Support Package and Consistent Export Framework**

**Mumbai, India** – The nation’s onion farming community is urgently seeking substantial financial intervention and a predictable export policy from the central government, citing persistent losses stemming from a confluence of adverse factors. Bharat Dighole, the founder-president of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers Farmers Association, has articulated the sector’s demands, highlighting a critical need for a ₹10,000 crore revival package to mitigate ongoing economic distress.

Farmers across the country have reportedly endured significant financial setbacks over an extended period. Mr. Dighole attributes these recurring losses to a series of challenges, including what he describes as inadequately formulated export policies, the proliferation of substandard or counterfeit seeds, and substantial post-harvest losses due to insufficient storage infrastructure. These cumulative issues have eroded the profitability of onion cultivation, pushing many farmers to the brink of financial unsustainability.

The call for a revival package underscores the precarious state of the Indian onion market, a vital commodity for both domestic consumption and international trade. The proposed ₹10,000 crore allocation is intended to address immediate financial relief, potentially through direct farmer support, debt restructuring, and investment in essential agricultural infrastructure. The association’s plea emphasizes that without such a comprehensive intervention, the long-term viability of onion farming in India remains uncertain.

A cornerstone of the farmers’ appeal is the establishment of a stable and transparent export policy. Current fluctuations and uncertainties in export regulations are cited as major deterrents to market planning and investment. Farmers argue that a consistent policy framework would enable them to make informed decisions regarding cultivation, storage, and market access, thereby fostering greater stability and predictability in their income. This, in turn, would encourage continued investment in the sector and bolster India’s position as a reliable global supplier of onions.

Furthermore, the issue of seed quality has been identified as a significant impediment to productivity and yield. The prevalence of spurious seeds not only leads to lower crop yields but also exposes farmers to increased risks of crop failure, exacerbating their financial vulnerabilities. A robust system for seed certification and quality control, coupled with measures to penalize the distribution of substandard seeds, is seen as crucial for improving the overall health and output of onion crops.

Storage losses represent another substantial drain on farmers’ resources. Inadequate cold storage facilities and proper post-harvest handling techniques result in a significant portion of the harvested produce being lost to spoilage. The association’s request for government support implicitly includes the development of modern storage infrastructure, which would help preserve the quality of onions and reduce wastage, thereby increasing the marketable surplus and the income of farmers.

The Maharashtra State Onion Growers Farmers Association’s demands reflect a broader sentiment within the agricultural community, where a consistent call for policy reforms and financial support has been a recurring theme. The current appeal for a substantial revival package and a stable export policy signals a critical juncture for the Indian onion sector, with the hope that government intervention can pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for its growers. The success of these initiatives will be pivotal in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farming families dependent on this essential crop.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.