APCC Chief Sharmila Accuses Govt of Failing to Deliver MSP Promise for Onion Farmers

Quick Summary

• Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila criticized the TDP-led coalition government over financial distress faced by onion farmers due to record-low market prices.
• Farmers reportedly spend ₹1.20 lakh per acre for onion cultivation but are forced to sell thier produce at just ₹50 per quintal, yielding an income of only ₹3,000 per acre.
• Losses of over ₹1.15 lakh per acre have allegedly led many farmers into debt.
• Ms. Sharmila claimed the governmentS promise to procure onions at a minimum support price (₹1,200 per quintal) through Markfed has not been fulfilled and “not a single kg” has been purchased under this scheme.
• She called for immediate intervention from the government to honor procurement commitments and prevent middlemen from exploiting farmers in Kurnool and other markets.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The plight of onion farmers as described in this report underscores serious challenges in agricultural pricing mechanisms and government policy execution. If APCC’s claims are accurate, failure to implement promised procurement schemes could further erode trust among farming communities toward state policy interventions. Low selling prices coupled with high production costs highlight vulnerabilities that need structured solutions such as efficient market oversight or direct subsidy support.

Moreover, allegations about middleman exploitation emphasize the need for clarity in agricultural trade; unchecked manipulations could worsen farmers’ economic conditions beyond recovery. Addressing these issues promptly is critical not just for safeguarding livelihoods but also ensuring political accountability in states reliant on agriculture like Andhra pradesh.

[Photo Credit: KOMMURI SRINIVAS – Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y.S. Sharmila.]