Tension in onion purchase centre

Hubli, Dec 4 (UNI) Tension prevailed for some time at the onion purchase centre set up by the Government at Annigeri in Gadag district when onion growers protested against stoppage of purchase.

The trouble started when the purchase centre was closed by the officials this morning. Enraged farmers burnt tyres and started pelting stones, besides blocking vehicular traffic between Hubli and Gadag.

The Government had set up purchasing centres to buy onion from farmers, paying a minimum support price of Rs 500 per quintal after the price had crashed in the wholesale market.

Officials on the condition of anonymity said traders who had purchased onion at cheaper prices had come with their stocks to the centre posing as farmers. Upon learning this, the officials had stopped the purchases.

Senior police officers, who rushed to the spot with forces, brought the situation under control.

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