Asia's largest onion market, Lasalgaon remained shuttered for the past two days
CHANDIGARH: Widespread farmer protests have erupted in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, as agricultural workers unite to voice their grievances against a backdrop of pressing concerns. The demonstrations, which have led to significant disruptions, shed light on issues ranging from flood compensation to the tax hike on onions and the payment of overdue sugarcane dues.
Tragedy marred the protests in Sangrur, Punjab, as a farmer lost his life when struck by a tractor during a sit-in on Monday, igniting a wave of unrest. The incident underscored the urgency of the farmers' demands and, in some instances, escalated peaceful protests into violence.
In the heart of Maharashtra, the bustling Lasalgaon onion market, touted as Asia's largest, has remained shuttered for the past two days. The protest stems from the recent imposition of a 40% export duty on onions by the central government, valid until December 31, 2023. This move has sparked widespread concern among farmers who fear that heightened export duties could result in reduced exports, subsequently leading to a drop in domestic onion prices, adversely impacting their livelihoods.
Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, farmers' organizations have taken a stand against the escalating taxes on onions, causing auctions in local markets to grind to a halt. The ripple effects of these protests have reverberated across Maharashtra's Nashik, Ahmednagar, and Mumbai, with farmers expressing their distress over the potential repercussions of increased export duties.
Union Consumer Affairs Minister, Piyush Goyal, has sought to address the concerns by clarifying the government's stance on the onion export duty. On August 19, the government implemented the 40% export duty with the intent to curb potential price surges. The Minister asserted that misinformation has clouded the issue and underscored the government's efforts to stabilize onion prices.
To counter the mounting unrest, the central government has taken steps to mitigate the impact on farmers. Initiatives include the resumption of onion purchases for buffer stock at a rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal. Additionally, a decision has been made to procure an extra two lakh tonnes of onions from farmers.
Meanwhile, in Punjab, the state has become a focal point for agrarian agitation. Sixteen farmers' organizations, including the Kisan-Mazoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Azad), and Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), have united under a banner of demands. Their objectives encompass flood compensation, embankment reinforcement for rivers such as Ghaggar, and substantial compensation for lost livestock and homes. The farmers also seek to alleviate the burdens of flood-affected citizens through a government aid package of 50 thousand crore rupees and financial assistance from the state.
