Mumbai – Onion auction finally began on Tuesday at Lasalgaon APMC in Nashik district of the state. On Monday, about 15 farmers protested against the reduction in onion prices by climbing water tanks. Citing the fall in prices in Lasalgaon APMC, he demanded a 20 percent export duty to be removed. Meanwhile, State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate assured him that Yola (Nashik District) MLA Chhagan Bhujbal would raise the issue in the current budget session of the assembly. After this, onion growers withdrew their agitation.
Both red and summer onion prices have decreased by Rs 300-500. The protesters said that 20 percent export duty on onions should be removed. On Monday, 11,500 quintals of onion came to Mandi for auction. The minimum rate per quintal was Rs 1,000 and the maximum rate was Rs 2,201, the average of Rs 1,800. At the same time, the price of red onion was minimum Rs 800, maximum Rs 2005 and average Rs 1700 per quintal. Five days ago this price was between 2250-2300. As a result, about 15 farmers protested by climbing water tanks, as they were not getting enough compensation.
However, after raising the issue in the assembly and assuring onion producers of relief, about 13,000 quintals of onion in about 500 vehicles reached APMC on Tuesday morning and it was auctioned as per the schedule. When the auction of the summer onion crop started, the minimum price was Rs 600 per quintal and the maximum price was Rs 1,951, while the average price was Rs 1,600. Sources said that the auction of red onion is yet to begin.
