On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Kurnool district administration launched a special initiative at the local market yard, offering onions directly sourced from farmers at an incredibly affordable price: a generous 45 kg bag for just ₹100.
This decision follows the State government’s announcement that its agencies would cease direct onion purchases from farmers starting Monday, September 22, 2025. Going forward, farmers will have the option to sell their produce directly to traders, either at the market yard or from their own fields.
This season, heavy rains caused extensive damage to onion crops, leaving farmers struggling to secure fair and profitable prices. In response, the government stepped in earlier by offering ₹12 per kilogram for onions and announcing a compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare for affected farmers. Consequently, agencies like Markfed and the Civil Supplies Department concluded their direct onion procurement.
Officials explained that the government had previously purchased 6,000 tonnes of onions from farmers at a remunerative price, distributing them through various channels including Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets, Markfed, rythu bazaars, open auctions, ration shops, schools, and hostels. With 1,900 tonnes still remaining at the market yard, the current sale at ₹100 per 45 kg bag aims to reduce potential losses for the government while ensuring the stock benefits the public.
District Collector A. Siri confirmed that four dedicated counters have been established at the market yard to facilitate the sale of the remaining 1,900 tonnes of onion stock. Police personnel are on-site to manage the crowds, and by Sunday evening, over 130 bags had already been successfully sold.
The administration made sure to widely publicize this special onion sale, utilizing social media and other communication channels across Kurnool city to reach as many residents as possible.
While onion cultivation covered approximately 42,000 acres, consistent with previous years, this season’s yield suffered significantly due to heavy rainfall. Adding to the challenge, a surplus of onions from Maharashtra and a halt in exports to Bangladesh further reduced demand, exacerbating the current market crisis for local farmers.