There is a possibility of a fall in prices due to the government extending the ban on export of onion. Keeping this in view, the government has taken a big decision in the interest of farmers. The government said on Tuesday that it will start purchasing 5 lakh tonnes of Rabi onion in the coming two-three days. Let us tell you, the ban on export of onion has been extended till further orders. Earlier it was to end on March 31.
According to the report of news agency PTI, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told reporters that we want to assure the farmers that their concerns will be taken care of. We will start purchasing five lakh tonnes of Rabi (winter) crop in the next 2-3 days to maintain buffer stock.
Traders will be affected
Singh further said the ban on onion exports is impacting traders and not farmers, as average mandi (wholesale) prices in Maharashtra are currently around Rs 13-15 per kg, almost double last year’s level. Is. He said that even if prices fall, we will protect the interests of farmers. The government usually purchases onions for buffer stock at prevailing mandi rates. However, if the rates fall below the cost of production, the government will ensure that at least the farmers’ costs are covered. In the year 2023-24, the government had purchased 6.4 lakh tonnes of onion (both Rabi and Kharif crops) at an average rate of Rs 17 per kg for buffer stock.
Onion production expected to drop
According to Agriculture Ministry data, Rabi onion production is estimated to decline by 20 percent to 190.5 lakh tonnes in the season 2023-24 (July-June), compared to 237 lakh tonnes in the same period a year ago. Rabi onion is important for onion availability in the country as it contributes 72-75 percent to the annual production. Rabi onion is also important to ensure availability of onion throughout the year as it has better self-life than Kharif (summer) onion and can be stored for supply till November-December.
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