Pune (Voice News Service): In a significant development, the recent onion crisis that had been looming over the state has been effectively averted through the collaborative efforts of the state government and the Union government. Swift action and coordination have resulted in a solution that promises immediate relief to onion farmers
The Central government’s announcement to procure and purchase 2 lakh metric tons of onions from Maharashtra through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and the National Consumer Cooperative Federation (NCCF) stands as a pivotal step towards resolving the crisis. The procurement process has already been set in motion, with dedicated centers being established across strategic locations like Ahmednagar, Nashik, and Lasalgaon within the state. The procurement price of Rs. 2410 per quintal has been announced to ensure fair compensation for farmers.
At the heart of this proactive decision lies the timely intervention by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. CM Shinde, widely recognized as a champion of farmers’ rights since assuming office, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to addressing agricultural challenges head-on. From tackling untimely rainfall crises to mitigating crop damage caused by extreme weather, CM Shinde has earned the moniker of the “Farmers’ Advocate.”
A series of initiatives under CM Shinde’s leadership reflects his dedication to supporting farmers. Reinstating farmers’ voting rights for the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) elections was one such move, broadening the democratic process. Moreover, the decision to enhance per quintal subsidies for onion farmers, coupled with a special committee for forest rights implementation, underscored the government’s comprehensive approach.
In a major boon for the farming community, CM Shinde announced a symbolic crop insurance of just 1 rupee to facilitate registration for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. This pioneering step led to a staggering 96.62 lakh applications, highlighting the scheme’s popularity among farmers. The CM’s determination was evident during a pivotal cabinet meeting in May, where the Namo Farmers Mahasanman Nidhi scheme was green lit through which the government promised to pay financial assistance of 6 thousand rupees per year in addition to the union governments assistance of 2 thousand rupees every four months. This decision came along with an extension for the Punjabrao Deshmukh Natural Farming mission.
Furthermore, CM Shinde’s commitment to advancing agricultural research was showcased through funding approvals for a corn research center, a move that promises to enhance crop yield and quality. Addressing challenges such as low-quality seeds and fraudulent practices, CM Shinde instructed the district collectors to establish squads to conduct raids and ensure accountability in the seed distribution process.
In a visionary step that goes beyond immediate crisis resolution, CM Shinde announced the creation of a panel headed by esteemed scientist and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar. Emphasizing the concept of an “onion bank,” CM Shinde expressed his belief that this innovation could provide a lasting solution to the challenges faced by onion farmers.
The successful collaboration between the state government and the Union government, under the leadership of CM Eknath Shinde, has not only averted a potential onion crisis but also highlighted a proactive and holistic approach to agricultural governance. As Maharashtra’s “Farmers’ Man,” CM Shinde’s efforts continue to pave the way for a more secure and prosperous agricultural future.
