Mumbai, Apr 8 (PTI) The Maharashtra government is committed to promoting onion processing industries to protect farmers from price fluctuations and ensure competitive rates, while at the same time also
safeguarding consumer interests, Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal said on Wednesday.
He pointed out that Maharashtra is one of the leading onion-producing states with substantial annual output. Around 70 per cent of the kitchen staple produced is consumed domestically, while nearly 30 per cent remains surplus, making value addition through processing essential.
Rawal was speaking at a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in south Mumbai where he discussed measures related to onion processing and storage.
He noted that setting up onion processing units would help utilise excess production by converting it into value-added items such as onion powder and chips. These products can then be marketed in a phased manner in domestic as well as international markets.
The minister emphasised that women self-help groups should be actively involved in onion processing activities.
"Farmer welfare is the government's top priority. Establishing such industries will not only protect farmer interests, but also generate local employment and boost the rural economy," he opined.
Highlighting the issue of price volatility, Rawal said excess production often leads to a crash in onion prices, causing losses to farmers, while price spikes lead to consumer dissatisfaction.
Promoting processing industries is an effective solution to address this imbalance, he stated.
Officials from the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board and representatives of Maharashtra Agribusiness Network (MAGNET), along with private sector stakeholders, were present at the meeting. PTI MR RSY
