Recent unseasonal rainfall in Gujarat has severely impacted onion farmers, damaging standing crops and forcing many to plough their harvests back into the fields. Initial estimates suggest that 30% of the crop has been affected, with 20% rendered completely unusable. Gujarat, India’s third-largest onion producer, cultivates white, red, and yellow onions, with white onions accounting for 60% of total output.
Farmers typically grow two onion crops annually, with the summer crop sown in November-December and harvested from March to May. The May harvest is crucial as these onions can be stored until December, fetching higher prices. However, this year’s untimely rains have left the crop unsuitable for storage, drastically reducing market value.
Farmer Losses and Plummeting Prices
Ketan Malani, an onion grower and sarpanch from Khadasali village in Amreli, shared his plight: *”We expected Rs 170-210 per 20kg for white onions and Rs 240-270 for red onions, but prices have crashed below Rs 100. With transportation and labor costs at Rs 80 per 20kg, selling isn’t viable—so we’re forced to destroy the crop.”*
Amreli and Bhavnagar are the leading onion-producing districts, followed by Surendranagar and Rajkot. Government data indicates that summer onion cultivation spans 10,000 hectares in Gujarat, with Mahuva serving as the primary auction center.
Economic Ripple Effects and Export Concerns
Gujarat’s 120+ dehydration plants in Mahuva process white onions into powder, flakes, and granules for export to the US, Canada, EU, and Middle East. Vitthal Koradiya, a major exporter, lamented: *”We anticipated a bumper crop to keep plants running till June-end, but rain damage has left limited stock. Processing may halt in 10-12 days.”* Additionally, 5-7 lakh bags (50kg each) stored outdoors at dehydration units were ruined, exacerbating losses.
Calls for Government Intervention
Farmers and market experts are urging authorities to use satellite imagery for accurate damage assessment and provide compensation. Naresh Khuman, an Amreli farmer, stressed: “A proper survey must be conducted, and affected growers must be compensated.”
A Looming Crisis
With 30% crop damage and prices collapsing below production costs, Gujarat’s onion farmers face severe financial strain. The impending supply shortage could drive prices up post-September, affecting domestic and international markets. Immediate government action—through damage assessment, financial aid, and better storage infrastructure—is critical to mitigate losses and stabilize the sector.
