By Andhra Pradesh’s onion and tomato farmers are facing one of their toughest seasons in recent history. With market prices plummeting to unviable levels and mounting production costs, cultivators find themselves in deep financial distress. YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticized the government for its inaction, alleging that farmers are being abandoned during their hour of need.
Steep Decline in Prices
Over the past few weeks, the wholesale price of tomatoes has dropped drastically, with many farmers receiving less than ₹5 per kilogram, far below their cost of cultivation. Similarly, onions have witnessed a sharp fall, trading at distress prices in several mandis. Farmers complain that the cost of transporting their produce to the markets often exceeds the revenue they earn from sales.
For cultivators who had borrowed heavily for seeds, fertilizers, and labor, this collapse has come as a severe blow. Many farmers are being forced to dump their produce on the roadsides, unable to recover even a fraction of their input costs.
Voices from the Ground
Several farmers expressed frustration, saying that they had invested months of labor and thousands of rupees, only to face losses due to the lack of proper support mechanisms. “We are not asking for freebies, but at least the government should guarantee minimum support prices,” said a tomato farmer from Anantapur district.
Onion growers echoed similar concerns, stressing that fluctuating prices have become a recurring problem. They accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to the crisis until farmers stage protests or resort to drastic measures.
Jagan’s Criticism of Govt. Neglect
Addressing the media, YSRCP chief Jagan alleged that the government has completely neglected the plight of the farming community. He pointed out that while farmers continue to suffer due to price crashes, the state has not implemented any effective procurement policy.
“Farmers are the backbone of our state economy, yet they are being left to fend for themselves. Despite repeated appeals, the government has failed to intervene, forcing cultivators into unbearable losses,” Jagan said. He demanded immediate relief measures, including procurement at assured prices and compensation for farmers who have lost their investments.
Rising Costs, Declining Returns
One of the biggest challenges for farmers this season has been the steep rise in input costs. Fertilizers, pesticides, and diesel prices have surged, while access to credit remains limited. With no assured returns, cultivators are sinking deeper into debt.
Agricultural experts warn that if corrective measures are not taken soon, many farmers may abandon cultivation of perishable crops like onions and tomatoes altogether. This could result in reduced supply in the coming seasons, ultimately leading to price spikes for consumers.
The Need for Govt. Intervention
Farmer associations have urged the government to introduce market stabilization funds and ensure procurement at minimum support prices for perishable crops. They argue that while cereals like rice and wheat enjoy procurement safeguards, vegetable and onion farmers are left at the mercy of middlemen and fluctuating markets.
Jagan reiterated these demands, calling for transparent procurement mechanisms and direct benefit transfers to affected farmers. He emphasized that the government must also invest in cold storage and food processing facilities to prevent wastage of perishable produce.
Political Implications
The crisis comes at a politically sensitive time, with farmer issues expected to play a key role in upcoming elections. Analysts note that the opposition is likely to intensify its criticism of the government, portraying it as indifferent to rural distress.
By highlighting the plight of onion and tomato farmers, Jagan aims to position his party as the voice of the agrarian community. His sharp attack on the government is seen as an attempt to consolidate farmer support ahead of the polls.
Conclusion
The steep fall in onion and tomato prices has pushed thousands of farmers in Andhra Pradesh to the brink, exposing gaps in agricultural policy and market support systems. With rising input costs and no guaranteed returns, cultivators are trapped in a cycle of debt and despair.
YSRCP chief Jagan’s remarks underline the urgent need for government intervention. Unless timely steps are taken to stabilize prices, ensure fair procurement, and support farmers, the crisis could deepen further, with serious economic and political consequences.
