Those who buy vehicles for Rs 10 lakh can handle Rs 10 increment in onions: Maharashtra minister

Farmers and traders came together in Maharashtra to oppose the imposition of tariffs on exports on onions to other states. 

This was a move by the Union government on August 19th in view of raising prices and the festive season which is upcoming. The tariffs would be in place until the end of the year. Never before was this imposed on onions. 

A remark made by a minister in light of the protests has been cause for controversy. 

"When you use a vehicle worth Rs 10 lakh, you can buy produce at the higher rate by Rs 10 or Rs 20 than the retail rate. Those who cannot afford to buy onion, it would make no difference if they do not eat it for 2-4 months," state PWD minister, Dada Bhuse said. 

"Sometimes, onion fetches rates of Rs 200 per quintal while sometimes it attracts Rs 2,000 per quintal. A discussion can be held and an amicable solution can be found," he added. 

Meanwhile the Agricultural Products Market Committee (APMC) in Nashik has called for an indefinite shutdown putting pressure on the central government to roll back the tariffs. A market in Lasalgaon, also India’s largest wholesale market for onions would also participate in this demonstration.