August 22nd 2023.
NCP Chief Nana Patole recently criticised the BJP government for the 40% hike in export duty on onions, which has led to a drop in onion prices. He accused the state government of seeking refuge in the claim to purchase onions through NAFED and demanded a rollback of the export duty decision.
Patole further accused the BJP government of weakening the financial standing of farmers and expressed concerns that the ministers in the Shinde government are indifferent to their needs. He asserted that the people will teach them a lesson in due time.
Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, regarded the government's decision to procure onions through NAFED as a mere cover-up and raised concerns that farmers might not receive adequate compensation for their produce.
He also criticised the government for not responding when summer's onion harvest fetched poor prices and highlighted that the promised Rs 350 relief for farmers is yet to be disbursed. He concluded by pointing out that this decision could result in NAFED only purchasing high-quality onions, leaving farmers with the lesser-quality produce and lower prices.
Maha Minister Dada Bhuse is also facing heat on his remarks over the soaring onion prices. He has been accused of taking the side of the BJP government and has been asked to clarify his stance. With mounting pressure from the state leaders, it remains to be seen if the BJP government will reverse their decision and provide adequate relief to the farmers.
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