In a move to benefit farmers, the government has increased the onion procurement price to Rs 16.50 per kg from Rs 15.80 per kg, effective immediately. The Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) has been adjusted to Rs 1,650 per quintal based on market prices and quality standards for storage-grade onions. This adjustment aims to enhance market responsiveness and ensure better returns for farmers.
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the pricing methodology refinement to align procurement with market conditions. A meeting was conducted with officials from DoCA to strengthen onion procurement and improve farmers’ income. The buffer stocks, maintained under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), play a crucial role in market interventions.
For the upcoming year, the government has set a procurement target of 2 lakh tonnes, lower than the previous year’s 3 lakh tonnes. The revision in onion prices from Rs 15.80 per kg to Rs 16.50 per kg was based on evolving market dynamics. Despite a slight decrease in onion output, efforts are being made to support farmers and stabilize prices.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the significance of agriculture in the Indian economy and the government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. Addressing challenges like falling crop prices, measures such as the Management Information System (MIS) and transport subsidies aim to directly benefit farmers and ensure their well-being.
