THE persistently low price of onions is a matter of deep concern for the farmers.

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 andfertilisers, and toilhardin the hope ofafairreturn to supporttheir families.

Regrettably, the market has failed them this year. Currently, a bag of 120kg of onions is being sold for a mere Rs1,700 an amount so meagre that it does not even cover the transportation costs, let alone the production expenses. This situation is economically devastating, besides being gravely unjust, especially when the prices of other vegetables and fruits have remained significantly high.

It is vital to know what is so specific about onions this year that is keeping the prices devalued even as the producers continue to suffer. Who is actually making a profit out of this market disequilibrium, and why are the actual cultivators having to bear 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 and other protective measures must be implemented to ensure a fair compensation for the poor farmers.

Muhammad Iqbal Awaran