Nashik Onion Traders Call Off Strike

Onion traders in Nashik have decided to conclude their 13-day strike, commencing on September 20. Notably, no onion auctions occurred in Nashik's markets during this period, including Asia's largest mandis, Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon.

The strike was a protest against the government's imposition of a 40 percent export duty on onions to stabilize prices. Traders additionally sought assurance that the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation Of India Limited (NCCF) would refrain from releasing stock at lower prices when there's no crisis, thereby safeguarding traders' profits.

Following extensive discussions with both Central and state governments, the traders have opted to end the strike. The Niphad market committee confirmed that auctions resumed on Monday, and Lasalgaon market committee anticipates auctions recommencing on Tuesday, October 3, at Lasalgaon mandi and other markets.

While the strike had minimal impact on supply chains and financial implications for traders and consumers, it notably affected onion farmers, who were already grappling with significant losses due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms.