Metro India News | AMARAVATI :

In a major relief to distressed onion farmers, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday directed officials to immediately begin procurement of onions at a support price of Rs. 1,200 per quintal. The decision came during a review meeting at the state secretariat on the challenges faced by onion growers due to falling market prices.The Chief Minister instructed agriculture and marketing department officials to ensure that farmers do not incur losses or face hardship. “Farmers should not suffer, and consumers too must not face difficulties. Start procurement immediately at Rs.1,200 per quintal, and cover the difference through the Market Intervention Fund,” he said.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that while onion crops in Andhra Pradesh had suffered damage, arrivals from Maharashtra had increased, leading to a steep fall in prices. They estimated that nearly 5,000 metric tonnes of onion are expected to hit the market in the next 10 days. Chandrababu Naidu ordered that procured onions be dried in rented community halls and later supplied to Rythu Bazaars. Farmers would also be allowed to store their produce in these facilities until prices stabilize. “Procurement, storage, and direct distribution through Rythu Bazaars will ensure price stability and safeguard both farmers and consumers,” he added.

Alongside procurement measures, the Chief Minister directed officials to expand and modernize Rythu Bazaars across the state. The current number of 150 markets should be increased to 200, he said. He further instructed that 2-3 acres of available land in market yards be used to build modern Rythu Bazaars, complete with warehousing and cold chain facilities.“Rythu Bazaars must be taken to the next level. The upgraded facilities will benefit both farmers and consumers while helping control inflation and stabilizing crop prices,” Naidu emphasized.