Maharashtra Addresses Onion Farmer Protests Amid Payment Delays and Price Concerns

Maharashtra farmers protested over delayed payments for onion procurement, with pending dues of around Rs 20 crore being cleared. The state government cited excess rainfall, export restrictions, pest attacks, and rising costs as challenges affecting onion cultivation. It urged the Centre to remove export duties and increase incentives to support exporters. Meanwhile, NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal requested a Rs 500 per quintal subsidy and a minimum support price for onions to address price volatility and farmer distress.