Onion Subsidy: Give subsidy of Rs 500 instead of Rs 300 to onion producers; Chhagan Bhujbal’s ‘walk out’

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a subsidy of Rs 2000 today. But the opposition demanded that the government should give a subsidy of at least Rs 500 per quintal to onion farmers as the subsidy is very less compared to the total cost of production. NCP MLA, former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal raised the issue in the assembly and walked out of the assembly protesting the government.

Bhujbal said, ‘Farmers spend 1200 rupees to grow onions. But today onion is getting Rs 500 and maximum Rs 700 per kg. The government has announced to give assistance of only Rs 300 to the onion producing farmers. Bhujbal demanded that the help is meager and at least Rs 500 should be given to the onion producing farmers. Drawing attention to this issue, they protested the government by walking out of the hall.

Absurd comment of the Minister of Agriculture

Bhujbal presented a proposal under Rule 57 in the Legislative Assembly today on farmers’ questions. He drew the attention of the House to this serious question as it was not discussed. Currently, he said that farmers are in trouble and six farmers have committed suicide in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The agriculture minister of the state has described it as absurd. Bhujbal said that this matter is very unfortunate and we strongly condemn this statement.

Farmers affected by unseasonal rain have not yet received help

Despite the heavy loss of farmers due to the recent unseasonal rains in the state, the government has not yet announced any assistance. Despite repeated demands in the House, the government is sweetening the face of the farmers. Also, Bhujbal protested this statement and walked out from the hall, saying that the agriculture minister of the state is making absurd statements at a time when farmers are committing suicide in the state.