Onion Farmers Stage Protests Over Export Ban in Gujarat

Rajkot /Bhavnagar :  Onion Farmers in Rajkot and Bhavnagar districts in Gujarat took to state and national highways, staging protests that disrupted traffic flow, expressing their ire towards the central government’s decision to halt onion exports. The sudden ban has led to a drastic crash in onion prices, leaving farmers unable to even cover their production costs.

Valjibhai, a farmer from Dhora village, arrived at Gondal Market yard with high hopes for a favorable onion price. However, dismayed by trading starting at a mere 200 rupees for 20 kg, far below his anticipated 500 to 600 rupees, he joined numerous farmers in protesting.

Valjibhai from Dhora village: “When I reached the market, my hope was shattered. I can’t even recover the basic costs of growing these onions. The prices are distressingly low.”

Their frustration stems from the stark disparity: while farmers struggle to fetch more than 10 rupees per kilo at the market, urban markets sell onions at 50 to 60 rupees per kilo. They question the fairness of profit distribution and criticize the government’s lack of support during this price crisis.

A farmer protesting on the highway: “We put our heart and sweat into these fields, but when it’s time to sell, we’re left empty-handed. Urban markets profit while we suffer losses.”

Farmers bemoan the absence of political aid despite previous election-time appeals for support. With onion prices spiraling downwards, they emphasize the government’s responsibility to ensure fair compensation for their toil. Until the export ban is lifted, they believe a substantial price rebound to 600 to 700 rupees for 20 kg remains unlikely.

Similar protests erupted in Bhavnagar district’s Mahuva market yard and Bhavnagar city market yard, echoing demands for fair and remunerative onion prices to support the agricultural community.

An upset farmer in Mahuva: “Politicians asked for our votes promising support. Now, when we need fair prices, they’re nowhere to be seen. Why should our hard work go in vain?”