Nashik: Congress state president Sapkal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of adopting a “double standard” towards onion farmers, alleging policy failures have led to a steep crash in prices.
Rasta Roko Protest
Addressing a gathering during a rasta roko agitation on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway at Chandwad in Nashik district on Tuesday, Sapkal said onion growers were being pushed into distress as wholesale prices have fallen below Rs 1,000 per quintal. He contrasted this with the UPA era, stating that prices had touched around Rs 3,000 per quintal during Manmohan Singh’s tenure.
Export Woes
He also criticised Centre’s foreign policy, claiming strained ties with neighbouring countries have dented onion exports. According to him, countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Iran have reduced or stopped importing onions from India, worsening the crisis for farmers.
Trade Priorities Questioned
Sapkal further alleged inconsistency in trade priorities, saying the Centre was supplying fuel to Bangladesh while domestic consumers were facing shortages. He argued such arrangements should be linked to agricultural trade, adding that farmers would not get remunerative prices under current policies.
State Government Criticised
Turning to the state govt, Sapkal accused Fadnavis of changing his stand on onion procurement rates. He reiterated the demand for direct procurement by NAFED and NCCF at APMC markets.
