11 December,2023 01:18 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde/ File Photo
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday, said that he will ensure that farmer losses resulting from the ongoing ban on onion exports are prevented. According to a report in PTI, Shinde, who was visiting the party office at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur ahead of the state legislature's winter session, addressed concerns of onion farmers after the Union government decided to prohibit onion exports till March 31, 2024, to stabilise domestic onion prices.
Speaking to the reporters, Shinde reaffirmed that the state government backs the farmers and said that he spoke with Union minister Piyush Goyal regarding the ban. he said that solutions will be provided to ensure both farmers and consumers are shielded from losses.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told ANI, "I have spoken to Union Minister Piyush Goyal regarding onion export and informed him about the situation in Maharashtra. He has said that such a formula will be developed so that farmers and consumers do not face any problems. We will also discuss with the central government regarding ethanol..."
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He was quoted in the PTI report as saying, "We will find out a way so that farmers and customers do not face losses due to the ban on export of onions."
In addition, Shinde revealed plans for government representatives to meet Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to discuss the prohibition on using sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production.
Opposition leaders protest
Concurrently, the opposition legislators staged a protest on Vidhan Bhavan building steps in Nagpur against the ban on onions export; some even wore garlands made of onions to mark their protest. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who is LoP in the legislative assembly and LoP in council, Ambadas Danve and other opposition leaders participated in the protest.
Danve, while talking to the media, said that the union government's ban on onion export is an "anti-farmer" move and added that onion farmers are suffering and recommended the state government to urge the Centre to lift the ban.
With agency inputs
