8 months ago
Onion Prices Below Production Cost in 2025
In 2025, onion farmers in Maharashtra had to sell their onions for much less money than it cost them to grow them.
The farmers said it cost them between ₹22 and ₹25 to grow one kilogram of onions, but they could only sell them for between ₹8 and ₹18.
This made them lose money and go into debt.
The government bought some onions to keep in storage, but the farmers said this was not done fairly and did not help them.
They want the government to investigate and fix the problem.
If the government does not listen, the farmers might protest.
Onion growers sold produce at ₹8-18 per kg, below production cost of ₹22-25 per kg in 2025.
Monthly prices ranged from ₹8 to ₹22, causing financial losses and debt for farmers.
Government procured 3 lakh tonnes of onions but allegedly bought through intermediaries, not directly from farmers.
Farmers demand a judicial inquiry, financial audit, and criminal action against those involved in irregular procurement.
Association threatens statewide shutdowns and protests if demands are not met.
- Who
- Onion growers in Maharashtra
- What
- Sold onions below production cost
- Where
- Across India, with focus on Maharashtra
- When
- Throughout 2025
- Why
- Due to market prices being lower than production costs and alleged procurement irregularities
Key facts
- Production Cost
- ₹22-25 per kg
- Average Market Price
- ₹8-18 per kg
- Buffer Stock Procured
- 3 lakh tonnes
- Procurement Agencies
- NAFED, NCCF
- Demands by Association
- Judicial inquiry, financial audit, criminal action
Quotes
Bharat Dighole
President of the Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmers’ Organisation
“Buffer stocks are meant to support both farmers and consumers, but in 2025 they were used in a manner that choked farmers economically.”
thehindubusinessline.com





