Maharashtra : Lasalgaon APMC In Nashik To Resume Onion Trade Despite Ongoing Tussle

The Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), known as the country’s largest wholesale onion market, will reopen for trade on Friday following a week-long closure of all 15 APMCs in Nashik. The decision came amidst a tussle between onion traders and the head-loaders’ association, which had led to the suspension of auctions and operations at the markets.

Despite the continued disagreement, the APMC board has resolved to resume onion auctions, urging traders to adhere to the practice of deducting weighing and labor charges from farmers. Those failing to participate in the auctions may face consequences, while the APMC plans to grant licenses to new traders interested in auctioning at the market.

However, traders remain steadfast in their stance against deducting charges from farmers. Nandkumar Daga, president of the Lasalgaon Onion Traders’ Association, emphasized their refusal to levy such fees on farmers selling produce. As a result, onion auctions remained suspended for the seventh consecutive day at major APMCs in Nashik, excluding the Vinchur sub-market committee.

In the absence of auctions at APMCs, private markets in the district have seen onion trade activity. Approximately 30,000 quintals of onions were procured from farmers at these private markets on Wednesday alone, signaling alternative avenues for farmers to sell their produce amid the ongoing dispute.