Onion growers urge Nashik export hub, welcome Vadhvan market

Onion growers in Maharashtra welcomed a new agricultural market near the Vadhvan port, saying it would cut transport costs and open direct export routes. They also asked the state to develop Nashik as a dedicated national onion export hub.

The growers said the hub would help India compete more effectively in global onion trade and lift farm incomes. They called for direct benefit transfers to farmers, better export infrastructure, a stable export policy, and processing incentives.

The Vadhvan market is expected to reduce the distance between farms and ports, giving growers access to international buyers without multiple intermediaries. Nashik, already a major onion-growing district, could centralise grading, storage, and shipping under one roof if the proposal proceeds.