Maharashtra onion farmers are expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Indian government's recently announced procurement price of ₹12.35 per kg for onions, which they deem inadequate. Farmers argue that their production costs range from ₹18 to ₹20 per kg, making the government's offer insufficient for covering expenses. Jitendra Solanke, a farmer from Nashik, highlighted the dire situation, stating that many are forced to sell their produce at prices as low as ₹0.50 per kg. The Maharashtra State Onion Growers’ Association is demanding a minimum procurement price of ₹30 per kg and compensation for losses incurred from previous sales at unviable prices. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan linked the price crash to increased production and sluggish export markets, particularly to Bangladesh and the Middle East. The procurement target has also been reduced from 3 lakh tonnes to 2 lakh tonnes, raising concerns about the government's commitment to supporting farmers. Bharat Dighole, president of the association, noted that the current price is less than half of what was promised just two years ago, contradicting previous assurances and exacerbating the farmers' distress.