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In the wake of the central government’s decision to ban onion exports, a high-level meeting led by Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda was held in New Delhi. This article delves into the government’s strategy to address the concerns of onion farmers, focusing on the ban, procurement efforts, and steps taken to ensure fair prices.
Government’s Response to Onion Farmers’ Woes
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda recently spearheaded a crucial meeting in New Delhi to address the predicament faced by onion farmers, particularly in Maharashtra and other states. The government’s decision to prohibit onion exports has triggered protests among farmers. In response, the Agriculture Minister, along with senior officials from NAFED, NCCF, and the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs, convened to strategize a solution.
Data: According to the latest data from the provided link, the central government has mandated NCCF and NAFED to procure 7 lakh tonnes of onions for a buffer stock in the current financial year. The procurement has primarily taken place in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, with ongoing efforts to include farmers from Gujarat.
Ensuring Fair Prices through Quality Produce
In an effort to provide remunerative prices to onion farmers, NCCF and NAFED have adopted multifaceted approaches. The distribution of pamphlets to create awareness among farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is underway. Additionally, newspapers are carrying advertisements to ensure wide publicity and reach farmers effectively. The focus is on purchasing quality produce to guarantee fair prices for the farmers.
Encouraging Increased Onion Cultivation
During the high-level meeting, the Secretary of Agriculture highlighted collaborative efforts with state governments to encourage farmers to increase onion cultivation. This strategic move aims to address the supply-demand gap and empower farmers economically.
The government’s proactive measures, as evidenced by the procurement initiatives and awareness campaigns, demonstrate a commitment to alleviate the challenges faced by onion farmers. While the ban on exports has triggered protests, the focus on fair prices and increased cultivation holds promise for the industry’s sustainable growth.
