Onion farmers to set up National Onion Bhavan for price regulation and market monitoring

The National Onion Bhavan will initially be constructed on a two-acre site at Jaigaon in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district
| Photo Credit:
SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

The Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmers’ Organisation, based in Nashik, has announced plans to set up a National Onion Bhavan aimed at price regulation, market monitoring, and supporting farmers from cultivation to marketing.

“All key decisions related to the production, storage, marketing and price regulation of Indian onions will now be brought directly into the hands of farmers. Until now, onion farming has been uncertain, debt-driven and vulnerable due to policy decisions. Once the National Onion Bhavan becomes operational, onion farming will turn into a sustainable, secure and reliable source of income,” said Bharat Dighole, President of the Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmers’ Organisation.

The National Onion Bhavan will initially be constructed on a two-acre site at Jaigaon in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district. The project will be expanded in the future as required. The estimated cost of the first phase is around ₹5 crore, which will be raised through contributions from farmers, Dighole said speaking to reporters in Sinnar.

Onion Seed Research

Despite India being one of the world’s leading onion-producing countries, decisions related to onion imports and exports, export bans, buffer stock management by NAFED and NCCF, and price control have so far been taken without consulting farmers, Dighole said. Once the National Onion Bhavan becomes functional, all such decisions will be taken under farmers’ leadership and in their interest.

The Bhavan will oversee onion seed research and quality control, nursery management, scientific planning of fertilisers and pesticides after planting, collective procurement to reduce input costs, and comprehensive crop monitoring. These activities will be carried out collectively and at a lower cost for farmers.

Sales Chain

“Onion trade transactions in agricultural market committees across the State and the country will be made fully transparent. The Bhavan will ensure that no farmer is financially cheated or exploited and that farmers occupy the highest position in the decision-making process,” he said.

To reduce the dominance of middlemen, a direct sales chain—linking farmers to the National Onion Bhavan and onward to domestic and international consumers—will be established. This, Dighole said, will ensure sustainable profits for farmers while providing onions to consumers at reasonable and stable prices.

The National Onion Bhavan will also provide accommodation and dining facilities for farmers, traders, exporters, officials and policymakers visiting from India and abroad. In addition, it will house meeting and conference halls, internet and computer facilities, and a modern onion testing laboratory.

Published on December 16, 2025