Nashik MPs Seek Probe Into Onion Procurement Irregularities

Nashik MPs Rajabhau Waje and Bhaskar Bhagre have jointly demanded a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities in onion procurement under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) in Nashik district.

The two MPs met Union Consumer Affairs Department Secretary Nidhi Khare in New Delhi on Wednesday and jointly raised the issue. They brought to the Secretary’s attention serious concerns regarding the storage of onions procured under NAFED’s Kharif Onion Procurement 2026-27 in Chandwad taluka.

According to a panchnama prepared on August 3, 2026, around 60–70% of the onions at the storage centre were found to be rotten, while approximately 2,200–2,400 metric tonnes of onions had reportedly been stored in the shed. The panchnama also noted that no representative of the concerned procurement centre was present during the inspection.

The MPs demanded a physical verification of the stored onions and a comprehensive audit of the entire procurement process. They sought verification of the farmers from whom the onions were procured, the quantities purchased, quality and procurement prices, procurement records versus actual stock, and whether the concerned farmers had received their payments in full and on time.

MPs Waje and Bhagre also demanded that the Centre provide details of the FPOs/FPCs and cooperative societies involved in PSF onion procurement in Nashik district, along with the number and locations of procurement centres, the quantity of onions stored in CWC warehouses, inspections conducted by NAFED and NCCF, and details of action taken following such inspections.

The MPs stated that improper storage of onions procured under a government scheme could seriously undermine farmers’ interests, especially at a time when onion growers are facing market price volatility and rising production costs.

They demanded that responsibility be fixed on individuals or organisations found guilty and that strict action be taken against those responsible for any irregularities in the procurement and storage process.

The investigation into the alleged irregularities is crucial to ensure transparency and fairness in the onion procurement process. It will also help to protect the interests of farmers and prevent any potential losses due to improper storage and handling of onions.

The Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) is a government scheme aimed at stabilising the prices of essential commodities, including onions. The scheme involves the procurement of onions from farmers at a fixed price and storing them in warehouses to release them into the market when prices rise.

The MPs' demand for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities in onion procurement is a step towards ensuring that the scheme is implemented effectively and that the interests of farmers are protected.

In conclusion, the investigation into the alleged irregularities in onion procurement under the PSF in Nashik district is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole. It is essential to ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and that those responsible for any irregularities are held accountable.

The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers, as it could set a precedent for future investigations into similar allegations. It is also likely to have an impact on the implementation of the PSF scheme in other districts and states.

Overall, the demand for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities in onion procurement under the PSF in Nashik district is a positive step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector. It is essential to ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair and impartial manner and that the findings are made public to promote transparency and accountability.

The investigation will also help to identify the root causes of the alleged irregularities and to suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future. It will also help to build trust among farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

In the end, the investigation into the alleged irregularities in onion procurement under the PSF in Nashik district is a crucial step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the agricultural sector. It is essential to ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and that the findings are made public to promote transparency and accountability.