The persistently low price of onions may not seem like a matter of deep concern, but it is. Onion is among the most widely cultivated crops in Balochistan and Sindh, with countless farmers relying on it as their primary source of livelihood. Every year, they invest their limited resources into seeds, fertilisers, and labour, hoping for a fair return to support their families.
Regrettably, this year’s market has failed them. Currently, 120 kilograms of onions are being sold for mere Rs1,700 — an amount so meagre that it doesn’t even cover the transportation costs, let alone the production expenses. This situation is not only economically devastating but also gravely unjust, especially when the prices of other vegetables and fruits remain significantly high.
It is imperative to question why onions are being devalued while producers continue to suffer. Who profits from this imbalance, and why are the actual cultivators bearing the brunt of it? If this trend continues, many farmers may be forced to abandon onion cultivation altogether, leading to further economic distress and possible supply disruptions in the future.
The government and relevant authorities must intervene immediately. Price support mechanisms, subsidies, or other protective measures must be implemented to ensure fair compensation for farmers. The survival of thousands of hardworking growers depends on swift and decisive action.
Muhammad Iqbal
Awaran
