Onion Price : Crisis again on farmers! Significant drop in onion prices

In the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee, known as one of the major onion markets in Asia, there has been a significant drop in onion prices in recent days. This has directly impacted onion-producing farmers, who are facing a large-scale financial crisis. Compared to last week, onion prices have fallen by about 600 rupees, and in the last fifteen days, market prices have dropped by as much as 1,000 rupees. This price drop has further increased the concerns of the farmers.

Due to the large influx of red onions in various agricultural produce market committees across the country, including Lasalgaon, there is pressure on market prices. Additionally, due to ongoing violence in Bangladesh, onion exports from India are continuing in limited quantities. Furthermore, as onions from China and Pakistan are available at lower prices in the markets of Arab countries, the expected demand for Indian onions is not being met.

On Monday (5th), in the morning session, approximately 22,000 quintals of red onions arrived at the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee through about 1,200 vehicles. This onion fetched a maximum price of 2,109 rupees, a minimum of 500 rupees, and an average of 1,600 rupees per quintal. Due to this reduced market price, farmers' income has been significantly affected.

It is estimated that onion farmers in Nashik district have suffered losses of approximately 175 to 200 crore rupees in the last fifteen days. Due to this continuous price decline, there is a possibility that the production of red onions, like summer onions, may not remain economically profitable in the future.

Farmers have demanded immediate intervention from the state and central governments. They have stated that concrete measures are necessary to increase the maximum export of onions abroad. Additionally, farmers have expressed the expectation that strategic steps should be taken by the government to stabilize market prices. Overall, due to the decline in red onion prices, the economic future of farmers is at risk, and there seems to be no solution to this crisis without urgent measures. Farmers, traders, and economists are expected to monitor this situation and make further decisions.