Mumbai, December 19, 2024: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has urged the central government to remove the 20 percent export duty on onions, a move that he believes will benefit farmers and exporters alike. Speaking to the media, Pawar emphasized that the export duty has been hurting onion farmers, particularly in Maharashtra, which is a major producer of the crop.
Pawar highlighted that the imposition of the export duty had led to a decline in demand for Indian onions in international markets, ultimately affecting the income of farmers. He called on the Centre to reconsider the policy and lift the duty to support the agricultural sector, especially as the country heads into the peak export season for onions.
The call for the removal of the export duty has sparked debate, with agricultural bodies and exporters backing Pawar’s request. The resolution of this issue is seen as crucial for the economic stability of onion farmers and the growth of the export market.
