Overview
- The Centre launched procurement for a 2 lakh‑tonne stabilisation buffer that began on May 15 and assigned NAFED and NCCF one lakh tonnes each.
- New guidelines widen acceptable onion sizes to 35–70 mm and ease rules on blemishes, skin defects, colour variation and minor sun damage to reduce rejections.
- Procurement agencies are offering about Rs 1,580 per quintal, which farmer leaders say is below the average production cost of roughly Rs 1,800 per quintal.
- Growers and Maharashtra associations are pressing for a Rs 3,000 per quintal minimum support price, a retrospective subsidy of Rs 1,500 per quintal for past losses, and daily publication of procurement lists.
- The state has waived APMC fees for NAFED/NCCF transactions and assigned Central Warehousing Corporation storage, but farmers say transparent, fast on‑ground implementation will determine who actually benefits and whether prices rise.