Chandigarh: Farmers in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa-Nimar region, one of the largest onion producing regions in India, are staging a serious protest. Here, onions are being sold at Rs 1 to 10 per kg in the markets, while the cost of production is Rs 10-12. Frustrated by this, the farmers have ‘cremated’ their crop. “Onions are like our children, the government is not even paying our cost,” said a visibly angry Devi Lal Vishwakarma.
All this has arisen due to the 25 per cent export duty, which makes Indian onions uncompetitive globally. Due to this, exports have fallen sharply and stocks have filled up and prices have come down.
"We are not just losing money, we are losing our future," warned protesting farmer Badri Lal Dhakad. He claims that despite repeated appeals, the Centre has not reduced the export duty. The farmers of Mandsaur warned that the 'final journey' is just the beginning.