Ramesh Jadhav, Ranjani (Pune)

In a major boost for women-led agriculture, women farmers from Ranjani village in Ambegaon taluka of Pune district have successfully exported 29.5 tonnes of onions to Dubai, securing a significantly higher price than the domestic market.

The export initiative was facilitated by the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MAVIM) through the Jigyasa Community Managed Resource Centre (CMRC), Manchar, under the Vegetable Production and Marketing Partnership Sub-Project.

The onions were exported through Vishwas and Growth Pvt. Ltd., Pune. While quality onions were fetching around ₹16 per kg in the local market during the second week of June, the export consignment earned farmers ₹20 per kg, providing much-needed financial relief.

The success was made possible by the onion storage warehouse and curing facility established by the Shri Bhimashankar Agro Farmer Producer Company in Ranjani. The storage infrastructure enabled farmers to preserve their produce during periods of low prices and export it when market conditions became favourable.

Women members of the Narsingh Self-Help Group, Ambika Mata Self-Help Group, and Vighnaharta Self-Help Group benefited from the initiative, which helped them access international markets for their produce.

The successful export has generated enthusiasm among women farmers and self-help groups across Ambegaon taluka, highlighting the growing role of collective farming, value-chain support, and export-oriented agriculture in improving rural incomes.

Several officials and representatives from MAVIM, the Jigyasa Community Managed Resource Centre, the Agriculture Department, and local farmer producer organisations were present during the event.