Mumbai
The decision was taken during a crucial meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan, where the Chief Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to resolve the issue.
The newly-formed committee will include Additional Chief Secretaries from the Agriculture and Finance Departments, along with the Secretary of the Marketing Department. It has been tasked with recommending both immediate relief measures and long-term strategies to prevent recurring crises.
Fadnavis highlighted that the state faces an onion crisis almost every year, resulting in price volatility and financial distress for farmers. He stressed that while short-term assistance is necessary in the current situation, it is equally important to move beyond temporary measures and implement lasting reforms. The committee has been given a timeline of two to three months to present a detailed plan for both immediate intervention and long-term implementation.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about unfair trade practices, noting that traders often purchase onions directly from farmers and later resell them to agencies such as NAFED, limiting farmers’ profits. He called for decisive action to end such practices and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
In addition, Fadnavis announced that a meeting will be held with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss measures for stabilising onion prices, boosting exports, and addressing regulatory challenges at the central level.
The committee will also explore crop diversification in major onion-producing districts, including Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Solapur. This initiative is expected to begin as a pilot project in the upcoming Kharif season, focusing on improving crop selection and yield management.
Fadnavis pointed out that despite high production levels, disruptions in the supply chain often force the government to provide financial aid, which is not a sustainable model. He concluded that the long-term goal is to streamline production and supply systems over the next few years, ensuring consistent profitability for farmers and reducing their dependence on emergency government support.
