Protest erupts in Nagpur against Centre's onion export ban

Onion Export Ban: Opposition leaders in Nagpur, Maharashtra, intensified their protest during the assembly winter session against the central government's decision to ban onion exports. The demonstration unfolded on the steps of Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur, marking the third day of the protest.

Opposition's Demands

The opposition leaders not only expressed their discontent over the onion export ban but also raised demands for an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for onions. Additionally, they called for financial assistance to farmers who suffered losses due to seasonal rains. The protest resonated with slogans against the government's decision.

Centre's Onion Export Ban

India implemented a ban on onion exports until March 2024, as per an official notification released last week by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The notification outlined that onion export might be permitted based on the central government's approval, considering requests from other countries.

Maharashtra Chief Minister's Response

Addressing the concerns raised during the protest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the government had provided substantial financial aid to farmers over the past 1.5 years for losses incurred due to unseasonal rainfall. He emphasised that relief measures had exceeded the norms of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Shinde also stated that the government is in talks with the central government and is committed to providing assistance to farmers.

Previous Measures by the Government

Earlier, the government of India had imposed a minimum export price of USD 800 per ton on onions from October 29, 2023, until December 31, 2023. The move aimed to discourage exports and maintain a sufficient supply in domestic markets. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution reported an immediate impact on prices in Maharashtra markets, with a decline of 5% to 9%.

Ongoing Monitoring

The Department of Consumer Affairs is actively monitoring onion exports and prices on a daily basis. The objective is to ensure stability in domestic prices and maintain an adequate supply for consumers.

The protest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by farmers and the political response to policies affecting the agricultural sector.