Maharashtra plans solar-powered onion processing units in state to support farmers: Rawal

Jaykumar Rawal held a meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. Pic/Special Arrangement

Maharashtra government is planning solar-powered onion processing units in the state to support farmers, stabilise prices, state minister Jaykumar Rawal said on Thursday.

He said that the state is set to promote the onion processing industry to support farmers.

Speaking at a meeting held in Mumbai on Thursday, Jaykumar Rawal said that the move aims to protect onion growers from price fluctuations while also safeguarding the interests of consumers. He stressed that ensuring fair and stable prices remains a key priority for the government.

Maharashtra is one of the largest onion-producing states in India, with significant output every year. Around 70 per cent of the produce is consumed within the country, while nearly 30 per cent remains surplus.

Rawal, Maharashtra Minister of Marketing and Protocol, said that it is important to process this extra produce into value-added products such as onion powder and chips, which can be sold in domestic as well as international markets, an official statement said.

Push for industry and women's participation

Jaykumar Rawal called for the establishment of onion processing units across the state.

The staate minister also stated the need to involve women's self-help groups in the sector, which could create additional income opportunities and strengthen rural communities.

Push to rural economy, employment

Jaykumar Rawal expressed confidence that such industries would not only benefit farmers but also generate employment at the local level and support the rural economy.

The minister pointed out that excess production often leads to a drop in onion prices that causes losses to Maharashtra farmers. At the same time, price rises create dissatisfaction among consumers.

He stated that the processing surplus onions was described as an effective way to balance both situations, the statement said.

Technology and sustainable approach

According to the official statement, at the meeting, representatives from S4S Technologies presented technical details of the proposed project. Rawal suggested that the project should have high processing capacity to benefit a larger number of farmers. He also recommended using solar-powered technology for better efficiency and sustainability.

Officials have been asked to prepare a detailed and comprehensive plan for implementation, it said.