Maharashtra Onion Farmers Seek Compensation for Crop Losses Due to Heavy Rain

Compensation Request from Onion Farmers in Maharashtra

An organization representing onion farmers in Maharashtra has requested a compensation of ₹1 lakh per acre for the crop losses incurred due to heavy rainfall last month. Maharashtra stands as the largest onion-producing state in India.

The Maharashtra Onion Producers Association wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 29, urging the Indian National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) to ensure a 'transparent' procurement process for onions. The state experienced unprecedented rainfall in May.

The letter highlighted that onion-producing districts such as Jalgaon, Dhule, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, Solapur, Beed, Dharashiv, Sangli, Buldhana, Akola, Parbhani, and Jalna were severely affected by the rains.

In the correspondence sent by Association President Bharat Dighole and Nashik district head Jaydeep Bhadane, it was stated that the heavy rains since May 6 have caused significant damage to onion crops across the state.

The association noted that many farmers lost their entire Rabi season crop before harvesting. They are demanding compensation of ₹1 lakh per acre to cover these losses.

Furthermore, the association mentioned that onions that had been harvested but not stored properly were also damaged. They are requesting a subsidy of ₹2,000 per quintal for farmers who are forced to sell their produce at lower prices.