Onion price hike fails to satisfy farmers

The Centre will raise onion procurement price to ₹16.50 per kg from June 13, but farmers say it remains inadequate

- Commodity Desk

The Centre has increased the onion procurement price under its buffer stock programme to ₹16.50 per kg from ₹15.80 per kg, effective June 13, in a move aimed at improving returns for farmers and strengthening market intervention efforts.

The decision comes at a time when onion growers, particularly in Maharashtra, have been demanding a significantly higher procurement price to offset rising cultivation expenses.

Maharashtra remains India’s largest onion-producing state and plays a crucial role in the country’s supply chain.

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the revision after chairing a review meeting with officials of the Department of Consumer Affairs. According to the minister, the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) has been revised to ₹1,650 per quintal, equivalent to ₹16.50 per kg, based on prevailing mandi rates and quality requirements for storage-grade onions.