Solapur has been proposed as a major onion trading hub in Maharashtra’s new policy plan

A Maharashtra government committee that formulates the state’s onion policy has recommended establishing a major onion terminal in Solapur, positioning the city as a crucial trade hub between north and south India. | Photo credit: PTI

At a recent meeting in Solapur chaired by Agriculture Costs and Prices Committee Chairman Pasha Patel, members discussed developing the terminal to support farmers and strengthen both domestic and international onion trade.

Along with Lasalgaon in Nashik, Solapur receives onions from across the state, and its APMC plays a crucial role in pricing and trading. Committee members recommended that the proposed terminal would house all facilities under one roof, including scientific storage systems to prevent damage and reduce post-harvest losses.

Significant development

The committee deliberated on various aspects of the onion trade and recognized its deep economic and political significance. Members will hold further consultations – especially with farmers – before finalizing the recommendations for the state government.

Representatives of the Onion and Garlic Research Center emphasized the need for scientific storage to protect onions from bad weather. Traditional storage leads to significant losses, and with the right infrastructure, up to 5,000 tons can be saved.

Committee member Deepak Chavan noted that Solapur could be further developed into a central hub for rural onion trade and exports.

Dominant crop

Onions harvested in both the kharif and rabi seasons dominate Indian agricultural politics. Rabi onions – about 70 percent of annual production – are harvested in March and can last for months under ideal conditions. In normal environments, lamps last only 2 to 3 months, slightly longer if humidity is controlled. When onions rot, ripple effects are felt from Lasalgaon to Delhi, leading to consumer outrage, farmer unrest and policy interventions.

Solapur APMC chairman Dilip Mane said the APMC is ready to spearhead the establishment of the terminal and already has much of the required infrastructure in place. In 2023-2024, Maharashtra accounted for over 35 percent of India’s onion production, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 17 percent.

Published on November 19, 2025