Onion prices in Maharashtra below production cost, govt tells Lok Sabha

Onion prices in Maharashtra ranged between ₹900 and ₹1,150 per 100 kg from March to May 2026, below the production cost of ₹1,800–₹2,200 per 100 kg estimated by the Maharashtra State Onion Growers Association.

Farmer associations have demanded procurement at ₹3,000 per 100 kg or compensation for the gap.

Maharashtra contributes over 50% of India's onion production, expected at 30.74 million tonnes in 2025–26.

The government cited the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for perishable commodities, which requires a state request and loss-sharing, and the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) for buffer stocks; it procured 287,000 tonnes in 2025–26.

The government stated there has been no export duty on onions, addressing farmer concerns over export restrictions depressing domestic prices.