‘Onion export duty will check price rise’
Govt releasing onions from buffer stocks in Delhi, Telangana, AP, HP and Assam; However, farmers protest in Nashik, demand Centre to scrap move
Representational image.
New Delhi The central government on Monday said the decision to impose a 40 per cent export duty on onions was not a premature, but a timely move to boost domestic supply and control retail prices.
The statement comes amid farmers’ protest at several places in Nashik district in Maharashtra against the 40 per cent duty imposed on onion exports. Traders are also against the imposition of the duty. On the other hand, farmers raising voice against the Union government’s decision to impose export duty of 40 per cent on onions till December 31.
“It is not a premature decision to impose export duty on onion. It is a timely decision taken to increase the domestic availability and check prices,” Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told PTI. Till the situation demands, Singh said the government will intervene with release of buffer onions in both the wholesale and retail markets in select states. On Saturday, the Centre imposed a 40 per cent duty on the export of onions amid signs of price rise as well as increase in outward shipments. The decision to impose export duty on onions for the first time ever is also aimed to curbing prices of the kitchen staple ahead of the festive season.
Farmers protested in several places in Nashik district in Maharashtra on Monday against the Union government’s decision to impose export duty of 40 per cent on onions till December 31, which they claimed will curb their chances of getting good prices for the kitchen staple.
