India, Feb. 12 -- A sharp rise in onion arrivals at major agricultural produce market committees (APMCs) across Maharashtra over the past two weeks has triggered a steep fall in prices, pushing rates down by Rs.500 to Rs.700 per quintal and bringing the average price close to Rs.1,000 per quintal. The sudden slump has caused widespread distress among onion growers. In response, Lasalgaon market committee chairman Dnyaneshwar Jagtap has urged both central and state governments to implement urgent measures to stabilise prices and prevent further financial losses to farmers.

Jagtap, in a memorandum submitted to the Centre and the Maharashtra government a couple of days ago, has called for immediate export and procurement support. He has str...