Onion traders in Nashik, Maharashtra, have suspended auctions indefinitely in protest against the government's decision to increase export duty on onions. The move has raised concerns about a shortage of onions and an increase in prices. Traders are demanding the cancellation of export duty, a reduction in market fees, and subsidies for transportation. Last month, traders accused the government of failing to fulfill its promise to purchase onions from farmers and of setting auction prices lower than announced.
Nashik: Onion traders on Wednesday said they suspended auctions in all agriculture produce market committees in Nashik district of Maharashtra and the protest will continue indefinitely, a development raising the fear of shortage of the kitchen staple in retail markets and hike in prices. An office-bearer of the Nashik District Onion Traders Association (NDOTA) said they are protesting against the Union governments recent move to increase export duty on onions up to 40 per cent, which will remain in force till December 31. In protest against the export duty hike decision, we have decided to shut the auction of onions in all APMCs in the district indefinitely. This (export duty hike) decision of the Center will not only make export of onions difficult but it will also affect the onions in transit, causing huge loss to farmers, the office-bearer said. Speaking on the issue, Maharashtra marketing minister Abdul Sattar said that observing a bandh (shutting auctions of onions) is not ...
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