“No Difference If They Do Not Eat…”: Maharashtra Minister On Rising Onion Prices

As the rising onion prices have made Indian households teary-eyed, a Maharashtra minister has some advice for the country. In a controversial statement, the PWD minister in the state, Dada Bhuse, reportedly said that it would not make any difference if people did not consume the priced vegetable for two to four months.

The minister”s statement has come to light as farmers in Maharashtra are protesting the central government”s decision to impose a 40% duty on the import of onions to combat inflation. Currently, the price of onions, a major ingredient in Indian kitchens on a daily basis, has touched more than Rs 2,000 in major vegetable markets across the country.

The Indian Express reported that the price of the bulb rose variety of onion at Lasalgaon”s wholesale market in Niphad taluka of Nashik was Rs 2,050/quintal on August 19, compared to the average price of Rs 1,370/quintal on August 1.

“When you use a vehicle worth Rs 10 lakh, you can buy produce at a higher price by Rs 10 or Rs 20 than the retail rate. Those who cannot afford to buy onions, it would make no difference if they do not eat it for two to four months,” the minister told news agency Press Trust of India.

Onions are a staple in Indian households, with each household consuming an average of 5 kg per month. This amounts to an annual domestic consumption of 15 million tonnes. Onions account for 13% of an average Indian family”s vegetable bill, according to a report by The Print.

The minister, who is now facing criticism for his statement, had said yesterday that the central government”s decision on import duty should have been taken in coordination with the state government. Protesting farmers have demanded a rollback of the import duty on onions.