Onion Farmers in Maharashtra are facing massive losses due to a sharp decline in the prices of onion across the major agricultural markets including the Asia’s largest onion market in Lasalgaon, Maharashtra. The mandis of Nashik and nearby districts have further deepen the woes of farmers with onion prices dropping down to ₹1,200–₹1,300 per quintal.
Farmers Seek Govt. Intervention
Onion farmers have urged for government intervention as they are unable to receive fair prices for their produce. Farmers now hoping for the best seek the government to announce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and start guaranteed procurement at that rate. The onion growers’ association of Maharashtra has urged Devendra Fadnavis to visit key markets like Lasalgaon to engage directly with farmers and address their concerns.
Possible Reasons Behind the Price Crash
One of the primary reasons behind the price crash is the before time arrival of monsoon. Early arrival of monsoon has led to the surge in market arrivals thus overwhelming the supply chain. As per the second advance estimates of horticulture production for 2024–25, onion output is expected to reach around 307.72 lakh tonnes, a 27% increase from last year’s 242.67 lakh tonnes. Weak export demand and a dip in domestic consumption are also among the reasons for crash in prices.
Bharat Dighole, President of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers’ Associationurged the government to directly purchase onions from farmers in APMC markets at a rate of ₹3,000 per quintal.