MARCH 24: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the Modi Government is a farmer-friendly government, committed to ensuring fair and remunerative prices for farmers. Shri Chouhan spoke today about the government’s consistent efforts to prioritize the well-being of farmers and address issues related to agricultural exports. He highlighted that the government’s priority has always been to secure better income for farmers and improve their access to global markets.
In his address, Shri Chouhan explained that earlier, a 40% export duty was imposed on onions. However, when onion prices started to fall, significantly affecting the farmers’ earnings, the government took decisive action to ease the burden. The export duty on onions was reduced from 40% to 20% to help farmers receive better prices for their produce. This reduction was aimed at providing immediate relief to onion farmers and boosting their income.
Today, in a significant step to support farmers, the government has decided to completely abolish the 20% export duty on onions. This move comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that farmers can receive remunerative prices for their hard-earned produce. With the removal of the export duty, onions produced in India will now be able to reach global markets without any added financial barrier, which will ultimately lead to better market access and higher profits for farmers.
Shri Chouhan stated that this step is a reflection of the Modi Government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring that the fruits of farmers’ labor are rewarded fairly. By removing the export duty, India’s onion farmers will now have a direct advantage in the international market, where they can compete on an even playing field. This change not only aids in improving the income of farmers but also strengthens India’s position in the global agricultural market.
The government’s approach, according to Shri Chouhan, is centered around ensuring that farmers are not only protected but are also empowered to thrive. The removal of the export duty will enable the farmers to get better prices for their onions in the global markets, which will, in turn, ensure that the agricultural sector continues to grow and develop sustainably.
This decision marks another important step in the Modi Government’s ongoing efforts to uplift the agricultural community, ensuring that farmers continue to play a key role in India’s economic growth.