On September 1, 2025, Minister for Industries and Commerce T.G. Bharath announced that the State government will support onion farmers by initiating procurement through Markfed. The decision was taken after farmers reported difficulties in receiving remunerative prices.
During his visit to the Kurnool market yard, the Minister inspected onion stocks and met growers from Errakota in Yemmiganur, Alwal in Gonegandla mandal, and nearby villages. Farmers explained that excess rainfall had reduced both quality and yield, prompting them to seek intervention from the government.
Bharath stated that he had raised the issue with officials and brought it to the attention of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. "The NDA government has decided to come to the rescue of the farmers and ordered the Markfed to purchase onion at ₹1,200 per quintal (US$144 per ton). The Markfed has already started procuring onions from today (September 1)," he said. Farmers were asked to separate damaged onions before supplying them to Markfed. Payment for crops will be deposited directly into their accounts within a week, provided they submit Aadhaar card details, bank account information, and e-pass receipts.
Later in the day, District Collector P. Ranjith Basha, Joint Collector B. Navya, and marketing officials visited the market yard to review procurement operations. District Horticulture Officer P. Ramanjaneyulu added that Markfed will also procure onions harvested in September and advised farmers not to harvest crops before they reach full maturity.
Source: The Hindu
