Indefinite Strike by Onion Traders in Nashik Over Export Duty Hike

Nashik: Starting an indefinite strike, the onion traders in the Nashik district of Maharashtra suspended auctions in all agriculture produce market committees. This has raised fear of shortage and price rise of onions in retail markets.

According to the Nashik District Onion Traders Association (NDOTA), they are protesting against the Union government’s recent decision to hike export duty on onions up to 40 per cent till December 31.

Taking serious cognisance, the District Sub-registrar, Co-operative Societies, on Wednesday night issued an order directing all APMCs to suspend or cancel the licences of the striking traders and submit the Action Taken Report on September 21.

Auctions of onions did not happen at most of the APMCs in Nashik district, including at Lasalgaon, the largest wholesale onion market in India, on August 20.

APMCs have the right to suspend or cancel the licenses of such traders.