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Many farmers sold their crops early as onions rot even if a little rain touches them

The government has clamped down on onion exports, hoping that the 80,000-plus tonnes exported now will come into the market. Onions soaring during the rains is an annual affair, and matters aren’t helped with the media creating a scare. The rains in Nashik and Pune, major onion-growing areas, were late in the last sowing season, resulting in lower yield.

Many farmers sold their crops early as onions rot even if a little rain touches them. The government has thus done well to check traders’ godowns. In addition, it put a minimum price on onion exports at $700 per tonne or Rs 42 per quintal, which makes it remunerative as global prices range between Rs 35-40 per kg.

Farmers of course feel this is against their interests: when onion prices fall to Rs 5-10 per kg the government does nothing to support them, unlike in the case of sugar. It is even more incumbent on hotels, the rich and well-off, including politicians, to cut down on use of onions. Why can’t they make some sacrifices? After all people like Jains, vegans, Hare Krishnas and many others, and their food is still tasty. In Hindu tradition, it is advised to avoid eating onions, probably during chaturmas. Why can’t we think in these terms? This would automatically curb any rise in prices.

( Source : deccan chronicle )
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