
Wed Sep 17 05:06:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
Maharashtra’s Minister of Marketing, Jaykumar Rawal, is urging the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) to coordinate closely with the state government before making decisions about onion stocks, citing potential negative impacts on both farmers and consumers. The state has seen a significant increase in onion production this year. Rawal also criticizes traders for manipulating prices based on NAFED announcements and calls for increased export support from the central government to stabilize the market.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra Government Urges Coordination with NAFED on Onion Stocks to Protect Farmers**
**Mumbai – September 17, 2025** – The Maharashtra government is calling for closer coordination with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) on decisions regarding onion stocks, fearing that unilateral actions could destabilize the market and harm both farmers and consumers.
Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting, Maharashtra Minister of Marketing Jaykumar Rawal stated that the state has witnessed a bumper onion crop this year, producing nearly 17 million metric tonnes – a significant increase of 5.5 million metric tonnes compared to last year.
Rawal expressed concern over NAFED’s previous indications of releasing stored onions into the market if prices exceeded ₹30 per kg. He argued that this announcement led to an immediate price drop, negatively impacting farmers.
“We have informed NAFED that such critical decisions must be made in consultation with the State government,” Rawal emphasized.
The Minister also announced that the state government is seeking increased export support from the central government. “Timely export assistance is crucial to stabilize prices and alleviate distress among onion growers,” he said, adding that a proposal for an additional export subsidy is being prepared for submission to the Union government.
Rawal also addressed the issue of traders manipulating the market based on rumors surrounding NAFED’s activities. He urged market committees to monitor these practices and take strong action against those intentionally depressing prices, including potential cancellation of licenses.
The Maharashtra government’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its onion farmers and ensuring a stable market for consumers.