While wholesale markets in Gujarat have already responded to the strike call given by farmers in Maharashtra with the closure of their wholesale onion markets at Nashik are likely to be closed from Monday.

Wholesale onion markets in Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta and Benaras are likely to be closed from next week. The farmers have demanded the lifting of ban on export of onions in the wake of the sharp downslide in their prices. The farmers supported by commission agents have resolved to continue with the agitation unless NAFED provides a no objection certificate for the export of onions.

Market Yard Adate Association president Vilas Bhujbal said that although the Centre may lift the ban on the export of onions, a lot of time was lost in actual processing because NAFED refused to provide a no objection certificate unless they received written directives from the Centre.

Bhujbal said that the closure of wholesale markets would not extend to garlic and potatoes. Only wholesale onions markets will remain closed unless the government lifts the ban on the export from the two states.

Members of Shiv Sena led by former chief administrator of Agriculture Produce Market Committee Rajan Kachi staged rasta rokos near Bhapkar Petrol Pump at 11 am. The demostrators began a morcha from Market Yard and proceeded towards Satara Road where a rasta roko was staged near the petrol pump. The 30-odd demonsrators were detained and released immediately. Those detained include Kaka Bhalerao, Rajendra Korpe, Hemant Kachi, Pandurang Dhamale and Samhbaji Khopade.

Rasta rokos staged at Dehu Road were led by Shiv Sena MLA Gajanan Babar, Shiv Sena Zilla Pramukh Vijay Talwalkar, Ashok Chakore and Milind Kachi.