Farmers in Nashik district, Maharashtra, are currently facing a dual crisis as they contend with low wholesale prices and a fungal disease affecting their onion crops. The district agriculture officer, Ravindra Mane, stated that while a survey will be conducted to assess the damage, initial feedback suggests the fungal infection is not widespread. However, farmers like Subhas Shinde from Satana taluka have reported severe losses, with over 40% of his 1,200 quintals of onions affected. Shinde, who invested ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) in his crop, expressed his distress over the losses incurred before harvesting and during storage. Bharat Dighole, president of the state onion growers’ association, emphasized the need for state government intervention as farmers are already struggling with low wholesale prices, averaging around ₹1,100 (approximately $13 USD) per quintal, against a production cost of ₹1,800 (approximately $22 USD) per quintal. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has impacted onion exports, further complicating the situation for local farmers. NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar is expected to visit Lasalgaon on April 18 to meet with farmers and assess their financial distress.