Expert sub-panel to study onion price crash, submit report in 15 days

Nashik: State govt has set up a five-member expert sub-panel to examine the crash in onion prices and suggest both short- and long-term strategies to strengthen the sector. The panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.

A govt resolution (GR) to this effect was issued by the cooperation, marketing and textiles department on Tuesday. “The sub-panel will operate under a secretary-level committee formed in March to address the challenges faced by onion farmers amid falling wholesale prices,” an official said.

The panel comprises former vice-chancellor of Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dr Kisanrao Lawande, former director of marketing Sunil Pawar, Indo Vegetables Development Association president Sarang Nirmal, entrepreneur Narendra Pawar and Maharashtra director of marketing Sharad Jare, who will act as the member secretary.

“The sub-committee has been assigned the task of preparing a comprehensive report on various aspects of the onion economy. It will analyse the reasons behind recurring price crashes, develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) to handle such situations, and study storage techniques, especially those suited for high-temperature conditions, along with their cost implications and impact on production,” the official said.

It will also examine how improved onion varieties developed by agricultural universities can be better integrated into the supply chain. Additionally, the panel will explore opportunities for value addition, including the development of onion-based byproducts.

A key part of the panel’s mandate is to review Centre’s onion export policy over the past seven to eight years and evaluate its impact on domestic market prices using statistical data. As part of its study, the panel members will also visit storage facilities developed by the National Research Centre for Onion and Garlic in Rajgurunagar.

The formation of the sub-panel follows a special meeting held on March 25 under CM Devendra Fadnavis. At the meeting, a high-level committee comprising senior officials from the agriculture, finance and marketing departments was announced to suggest immediate interventions to support farmers facing losses, while also recommending long-term structural reforms.

With onion farmers in key producing regions like Nashik continuing to face price volatility, govt has emphasised the need for timely and practical recommendations to stabilise the market and prevent similar crises in future seasons.