VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday announced a major relief package for distressed onion farmers. Under this, onion stocks would be procured at a support price of Rs 1,200 per quintal.
The decision was taken after a review meeting at the state secretariat, where the CM examined the prevailing onion market conditions and the difficulties faced by cultivators.
Naidu directed the officials to take immediate action for purchase of onions from farmers. “The market intervention fund should be used for the purchase of onions and these should be marketed through Rythu bazaars. Onion farmers should not suffer a loss at any cost.”
He asked marketing officials to increase the number of Rythu bazars and improve infrastructure at these markets to upgrade them to the next level.
The CM said there existed a need for developing warehouses and a cold chain system in market yards to benefit both the farmers and consumers and to stabilize the prices of agricultural products. Special chief secretary to agriculture and marketing, B Rajasekhar, and officials were present.
