India, May 14 -- Farmers in several states are dumping onions, destroying potato crops and discarding tomatoes after mandi prices fell sharply despite rising food inflation.

Food inflation rose from 3.87% in March 2026 to 4.20% in April 2026, while consumers continued to pay elevated retail prices for onions, potatoes and tomatoes.

Government data shows the all-India average retail price of onion rose to Rs.25.36 per kg on 12 May 2026, even as farmers in mandis were forced to sell onions for Rs.5 to Rs.7 per kg.

In Maharashtra, farmers received only about 43% of the retail onion price, highlighting the widening gap between what growers earn and what consumers pay.

Experts say the Price Stabilisation Fund could help stabilise prices, b...