Allegations of irregularities in onion procurement under the Centre’s Price Stabilisation Fund scheme have resurfaced, with farmer groups demanding immediate payment of pending dues and a white paper on the process.
The scheme had set a target of procuring 3 lakh tonnes of onions through nodal agencies NAFED and NCCF. However, farmers allege that farmer producer companies (FPCs), engaged in the procurement, have indulged in malpractice, while payments worth nearly ₹200 crore are pending. Several farmers’ organisations claim farmers have not received money for onions procured months ago.
In response to these complaints, a vigilance squad has been dispatched to Nashik for the third time in recent months to investigate the allegations. Sources said the team visited on Saturday and will continue its checks over the next few days.
