Lasalgaon (Nashik), 18 May (HS): Nationalist

Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) and MLA Rohit Pawar participated in the agitation

related to very low price for onion. Lasalgaon in Nashik is an important market

for onion in the country. The onion from the market is also exported to some

countries.

The onion producers have alleged that the production

cost per kilogramme is Rs 17 to 20, while the government is offering only Rs

12.50. Instead of purchase through NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative

Marketing Federation of India Ltd), the government should directly purchase

onion at Rs 25 so that the farmers could survive. Rohit Pawar has demanded

ex-gratia payment oif Rs 15 to Rs 20 to farmers who have already sold their

produce. He also issued threat of intensifying the agitation by farmers if

proper steps are not taken to protect their interests.

MPs Bhaskar Bhagre, and Nilesh Lanke; Sunil Busara, Manikrao Shinde,

Vice-Chairman of Lasalgaon Marketing Committee Sandip Darekar and other leaders

also participated in the agitation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar